iHiiiiisssWiiimii^ 


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— ^'»RTEEN  DAYS 


THE  NOVELS 

OF 

CAPTAIN   MARRYAT 

EDITED    BY 

R.  BRIMLEY    JOHNSON 


This  Edition  of  Captain  Marry  at  s  No<vels, 

made  exclusively  for  members  of  the 

NEJV  YORK  YACHT  CLUB 

is  strictly  limited  to  one  hundred  copies. 

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NEW  YORK  YACHT  CLUB  EDITION 


SNARLEYYOW 


OR 


THE    DOG    FIEND 


BY 
CAPTAIN   MARRYAT 


NEW  YORK 

CROSCUP  AND    COMPANY 

MDCCCXCVI 


Contents 


PAGE 

Chapter  i         .             •             »             »             «             .           i 

Chapter  ii 

7 

Chapter  hi 

? 

II 

Chapter  iv 

i6 

Chapter  v 

20 

Chapter  vi 

28 

Chapter  vii 

33 

Chapter  viii 

37 

)^       Chapter  ix 

43 

■^      Chapter  x 

,         56 

Chapter  xi 

66 

Chapter  xii 

71 

Chapter  xiii     . 

77 

Chapter  xiv      , 

86 

Chapter  xv 

.         96 

\^.  Chapter  xvi 

lOI 

Chapter  xvii 

109 

Chapter  xvih    . 

120 

Chapter  xix     , 

124 

VI 


Contents 


Chapter 

XX 

Chapter 

XXI       . 

Chapter 

XXII      . 

Chapter 

XXIII    . 

Chapter 

XXIV     , 

Chapter 

XXV       . 

Chapter 

XXVI      . 

Chapter 

XXVll    , 

Chapter 

XXVIII  . 

Chapter 

XXIX     . 

Chapter 

XXX       . 

Chapter 

XXXI      . 

Chapter 

XXXII    . 

Chapter 

XXXIII  . 

Chapter 

XXXIV  . 

Chapter 

XXXV    . 

Chapter 

XXXVI  . 

Chapter 

XXXVII 

Chapter 

XXXVIII 

Chapter 

XXXIX  . 

Chapter 

XL 

Chapter 

XLl        . 

Chapter 

XLII      • 

Chapter 

XLIII     . 

Chapter 

XLIV     . 

Chapter 

XLV       . 

Chapter 

XLVI     • 

Chapter 

XLVU    • 

Cont 

ents 

vii 

PAGE 

Chapter  xlviii  .              .             .              .             ,             .372 

Chapter  xlix    . 

380 

Chapter  l         . 

386 

Chapter  li        . 

39* 

Chapter  lii 

•       397 

Chapter  liii 

.      404 

Chapter  liv 

409 

Chapter  lv 

.      415 

List  of  Etchings 


Smallbones  soon  made  his  appearance    .  .         Frontispiece 

PAGE 

Snarleyyow   appeared   on    the   forecastle,  and   made  a 

RUSH  AT  Smallbones  .  .  .  .65 

The   body    half    raised   itself    from    its   knees   with  a 

strong  muscular  action,  and  then  toppled  over    .        ii9 

" Mercy,  WOMAN  !  "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken,  "Do  not 

HARM    THE    POOR   DOG  "  .  .  .  .  1 84 

"Te  tog's  TAIL,  mynheer,"  REPLIED  THE  CORPORAL,  GRAVELY         288 
'*  Our    of    MY    house,  YOU    VILLAIN  !  "  .  ,  .  348 

Drawn  and  Etched  by  J.  Ayton  Symington. 


Prefatory  Note 


The  Dog  Fiend,  or  Snarleytow  is  the  earliest  of 
the  three  novels,  The  Phantom  Ship  and  The  Privateer sman 
being  the  other  two,  in  which  Marryat  made  use  of  his- 
torical events  and  attempted  to  project  his  characters  into 
the  past.  The  research  involved  is  not  profound,  but  the 
machinations  of  Jacobite  conspirators  provide  appropriate 
material  for  the  construction  of  an  adventure  plot  and  for 
the  exhibition  of  a  singularly  despicable  villain.  Mr 
Vanslyperken  and  his  acquaintances,  male  and  female,  at 
home  and  abroad,  are  all — except  perhaps  his  witch-like 
mother — thoroughly  life-like  and  convincing  :  their  con- 
duct is  sufficiently  probable  to  retain  the  reader's  attention 
for  a  rapid  and  exciting  narrative. 

The  numerous  escapes  of  the  vile  cur,  after  whom  the 
novel  is  christened,  and  of  his  natural  enemy  Peter  Small- 
bones  are  not  all  equally  well  contrived,  and  they  become 
a  little  wearisome  by  repetition  ;  but  a  general  atmosphere 
of  diablerie  is  very  effectively  produced  by  their  means. 
Some  such  element  of  unreality  is  absolutely  demanded  to 
relieve  the  sordid  and  brutal  details  by  which  the  main 
plot  is  worked  out ;  and  it  must  be  admitted  that  in  certain 
passages — the  death-struggle  between  Smallbones  and  the 
lieutenant's  mother,  the  discovery  of  the  woman's  body, 
and  the  descriptions  of  kisses  between  Corporal  Van  Spitter 
and  the  Frau  Vandersloosh — Marryat's  habitual  literalness 
becomes  unpleasantly  coarse.  The  offensive  touches,  how- 
ever, are  incidental,  and  the  execution  of  the  two  villains, 
Vanslyperken  and  Snarleyyow,  with  its  dash  of  genuine 


xii  Prefatory  Note 

pathos,  is  dramatic  and  impressive : — "  They  were  damnable 
in  their  lives,  and  in  their  deaths  they  were  not  divided." 

As  usual  the  interest  of  the  novel  depends  almost  entirely 
upon  men,  but  on  the  character  of  Mrs  Corbett,  nee  Nancy 
Dawson,  Marryat  has  expended  considerable  care  with 
satisfactory  results.  Barring  the  indecorous  habit  of  re- 
gretting her  past  in  public,  which  is  not  perhaps  untrue  to 
nature,  she  is  made  attractive  by  her  wit  and  sincere 
repentance,  without  becoming  unnaturally  refined.  The 
song  in  her  honour  referred  to  on  p.  107  is  not  suitable  for 
reproduction  in  this  place.  She  was  an  historic  character 
in  the  reign  of  William  III.,  but  must  not  be  confounded 
with  her  more  celebrated  namesake  ( 1 730-1 767)  of  Sadler's 
Wells,  Covent  Garden,  and  Drury  Lane,  who  danced  a 
horn-pipe  in  The  Beggar's  Opera  to  the  air  of  **  Nancy 
Dawson,"  which  is  mentioned  in  the  epilogue  of  ^he  Stoops 
to  Conquer,  and  survives  in  our  nurseries  as  "  Here  we  go 
round  the  Mulberry  Bush." 

The  greater  part  of  Snarleyyow  was  first  printed  in  The 
Metropolitan  Magazine,  1 836  and  1 837  ;  but  on  reaching 
Chapter  xl.,  just  as  the  novel  had  appeared  in  book  form, 
the  editor — not  then  Marryat  himself— told  his  readers 
that  it  was  not  his  intention  to  give  an  extended  review 
of  this  work,  as  they  had  already  **  ample  means  of  forming 
their  own  opinion  of  its  varied  merits  : " — "  We  shall 
therefore  content  ourselves  with  a  few  remarks,  in  an- 
nouncing its  publication  and  giving  a  brief  outline  of  the 
termination  of  the  story  from  our  last  number."  At  the 
close  of  the  said  extracts  he  writes  : — 

"  And  so  ends  Snarleyyow,  with  as  much  quaintness, 
spirit,  and  character  as  it  commenced." 

The  book  was  evidently  written  in  haste,  and  few  of  the 
minor  characters  retained  one  Christian  name  throughout 
its  pages.  It  is  here  reprinted,  with  the  corrections  of 
such  slips  as  those  just  mentioned,  from  the  first  edition  in 
three  volumes.     Henry  Colburn,  1837. 

R.  B.  J. 


Snarleyyow 


Chapter  I 

Introduction  of  divers  parties  and  a  red-herring. 

It  was  in  the  month  of  January,  1699,  that  a  one-masted 
vessel,  with  black  sides,  was  running  along  the  coast  near 
Beachy  Head,  at  the  rate  of  about  five  miles  per  hour. 
The  wind  was  from  the  northward  and  blew  keenly,  the 
vessel  was  under  easy  sail,  and  the  water  was  smooth.  It 
was  now  broad  daylight,  and  the  sun  rose  clear  of  clouds 
and  vapour ;  but  he  threw  out  light  without  heat.  The 
upper  parts  of  the  spars,  the  hammock  rails,  and  the  small 
iron  guns  which  were  mounted  on  the  vessel's  decks,  were 
covered  with  a  white  frost.  The  man  at  the  helm  stood 
muffled  up  in  a  thick  pea-jacket  and  mittens,  which  made 
his  hands  appear  as  large  as  his  feet.  His  nose  was  a  pug 
of  an  intense  bluish  red,  one  tint  arising  from  the  present 
cold,  and  the  other  from  the  preventive  checks  which  he 
had  been  so  long  accustomed  to  take  to  drive  out  such  an 
unpleasant  intruder.  His  grizzled  hair  waved  its  locks 
gently  to  the  wind,  and  his  face  was  distorted  with  an 
immoderate  quid  of  tobacco  which  protruded  his  right 
cheek.  This  personage  was  second  officer  and  steersman 
on  board  of  the  vessel,  and  his  name  was  Obadiah  Coble. 
He  had  been  baptised  Obadiah  about  sixty  years  before ; 
that  is  to  say  if  he  had  been  baptised  at  all.  He  stood  so 
motionless  at  the  helm,  that  you  might  have  imagined  him 
to  have  been  frozen  there  as  he  stood,  were  it  not  that  his 

S  A 


2  Snarleyyow;  or, 

eyes  occasionally  wandered  from  the  compass  on  the 
binnacle  to  the  bows  of  the  vessel,  and  that  the  breath 
from  his  mouth,  when  it  was  thrown  out  into  the  clear 
frosty  air,  formed  a  smoke  like  to  that  from  the  spout  of  a 
half-boiling  tea-kettle. 

The  crew  belonging  to  the  cutter,  for  she  was  a  vessel 
in  the  service  of  his  Majesty,  King  William  the  Third,  at 
this  time  employed  in  protecting  his  Majesty's  revenue 
against  the  importation  of  alamodes  and  lutestrings,  were 
all  down  below  at  their  breakfasts,  with  the  exception  of 
the  steersman  and  lieutenant  -  commandant,  who  now 
walked  the  quarter-deck,  if  so  small  an  extent  of  plank 
could  be  dignified  with  such  a  name.  He  was  a  Mr 
Cornelius  Vanslyperken,  a  tall,  meagre-looking  personage, 
with  very  narrow  shoulders  and  very  small  head.  Perfectly 
straight  up  and  down,  protruding  in  no  part,  he  reminded 
you  of  some  tall  parish  pump,  with  a  great  knob  at  its  top. 
His  face  was  gaunt,  cheeks  hollow,  nose  and  chin  showing 
an  affection  for  each  other,  and  evidently  lamenting  the 
gulf  between  them  which  prevented  their  meeting.  Both 
appeared  to  have  fretted  themselves  to  the  utmost  degree 
of  tenuity  from  disappointment  in  love :  as  for  the  nose,  it 
had  a  pearly  round  tear  hanging  at  its  tip,  as  if  it  wept. 
The  dress  of  Mr  Vanslyperken  was  hidden  in  a  great  coat, 
which  was  very  long,  and  buttoned  straight  down.  This 
great  coat  had  two  pockets  on  each  side,  into  which  its 
owner's  hands  were  deeply  inserted,  and  so  close  did  his 
arms  lie  to  his  sides,  that  they  appeared  nothing  more  than 
as  would  battens  nailed  to  a  topsail  yard.  The  only  devia- 
tion from  the  perpendicular  was  from  the  insertion  of  a 
speaking-trumpet  under  his  left  arm,  at  right  angles  with 
his  body.  It  had  evidently  seen  much  service,  was 
battered,  and  the  clack  Japan  worn  off  in  most  parts  of  it. 
As  we  said  before,  Mr  Vanslyperken  walked  his  quarter- 
deck. He  was  in  a  brown  study,  yet  looked  blue.  Six 
strides  brought  him  to  the  tafFrail  of  the  vessel,  six  more 
to  the  bows,  such  was  the  length  of  his  tether — and  he 
turned,  and  turned  again. 


The  Dog  Fiend  3 

But  there  was  another  personage  on  the  deck,  a 
personage  of  no  small  importance,  as  he  was  all  in  all  to 
Mr  Vanslyperken,  and  Mr  Vanslyperken  was  all  in  all 
to  him;  moreover,  we  may  say,  that  he  is  the  hero  of 
the  TAIL.  This  was  one  of  the  ugliest  and  most  ill- 
conditioned  curs  which  had  ever  been  produced: — ugly 
in  colour;  for  he  was  of  a  dirty  yellow,  like  the  paint 
served  out  to  decorate  our  men-of-war  by  his  Majesty's 
dockyards : — ugly  in  face ;  for  he  had  one  wall-eye,  and 
was  so  far  under-jawed  as  to  prove  that  a  bull-dog  had 
had  something  to  do  with  his  creation : — ugly  in  shape ; 
for  although  larger  than  a  pointer,  and  strongly  built, 
he  was  coarse  and  shambling  in  his  make,  with  his 
forelegs  bowed  out.  His  ears  and  tail  had  never  been 
docked,  which  was  a  pity,  as  the  more  you  curtailed  his 
proportions,  the  better  looking  the  cur  would  have  been. 
But  his  ears,  although  not  cut,  were  torn  to  ribbons 
by  the  various  encounters  with  dogs  on  shore,  arising 
from  the  acidity  of  his  temper.  His  tail  had  lost  its 
hair  from  an  inveterate  mange,  and  reminded  you  of 
the  same  appendage  to  a  rat.  Many  parts  of  his  body 
were  bared  from  the  same  disease.  He  carried  his  head 
and  tail  low,  and  had  a  villanous  sour  look.  To  the  eye 
of  a  casual  observer,  there  was  not  one  redeeming  quality 
that  would  warrant  his  keep  ;  to  those  who  knew  him 
well,  there  were  a  thousand  reasons  why  he  should  be 
hanged.  He  followed  his  master  with  the  greatest 
precision  and  exactitude,  walking  aft  as  he  walked  aft, 
and  walking  forward  with  the  same  regular  motion, 
turning  when  his  master  turned,  and  moreover,  turning 
in  the  same  direction  ;  and,  like  his  master,  he  appeared 
to  be  not  a  little  nipped  with  the  cold,  and,  as  well  as 
he,  in  a  state  of  profound  meditation.  The  name  of  this 
uncouth  animal  was  very  appropriate  to  his  appearance, 
and  to  his  temper.     It  was  Snarleyyow. 

At  last,  Mr  Vanslyperken  gave  vent  to  his  pent-up 
feelings.  "  I  can't,  I  won't  stand  this  any  longer," 
muttered  the  lieutenant,  as  he  took  his  six  strides  forward. 


4  Snarleyyow;  or, 

At  this  first  sound  of  his  master's  voice  the  dog  pricked 
up  the  remnants  of  his  ears,  and  they  both  turned  aft. 
"  She  has  been  now  fooling  me  for  six  years ; "  and 
as  he  concluded  this  sentence,  Mr  Vanslyperken  and 
Snarleyyow  had  reached  the  tafFrail,  and  the  dog  raised 
his  tail  to  the  half  cock. 

They  turned,  and  Mr  Vanslyperken  paused  a  moment 
or  two,  and  compressed  his  thin  lips — the  dog  did  the 
same.  "  I  will  have  an  answer,  by  all  that's  blue ! " 
was  the  ejaculation  of  the  next  six  strides.  The  lieutenant 
stopped  again,  and  the  dog  looked  up  in  his  master's 
face ;  but  it  appeared  as  if  the  current  of  his  master's 
thoughts  was  changed,  for  the  current  of  keen  air  re- 
minded Mr  Vanslyperken  that  he  had  not  yet  had  his 
breakfast. 

The  lieutenant  leant  over  the  hatchway,  took  his 
battered  speaking  -  trumpet  from  under  his  arm,  and 
putting  it  to  his  mouth,  the  deck  reverberated  with, 
"  Pass  the  word  for  Smallbones  forward."  The  dog  put 
himself  in  a  baying  attitude,  with  his  forefeet  on  the 
coamings  of  the  hatchway,  and  enforced  his  master's 
orders  with  a  deep-toned  and  measured  bow,  wow, 
wow. 

Smallbones  soon  made  his  appearance,  rising  from  the 
hatchway  like  a  ghost ;  a  thin,  shambling  personage, 
apparently  about  twenty  years  old — a  pale,  cadaverous 
face,  high  cheek-bones,  goggle  eyes,  with  lank  hair  very 
thinly  sown  upon  a  head,  which,  like  bad  soil,  would 
return  but  a  scanty  harvest.  He  looked  like  Famine's 
eldest  son  just  arriving  to  years  of  discretion.  His  long- 
lanky  legs  were  pulled  so  far  through  his  trousers,  that 
his  bare  feet,  and  half  way  up  to  his  knees,  were  ex- 
posed to  the  chilling  blast.  The  sleeves  of  his  jacket 
were  so  short,  that  four  inches  of  bone  above  his 
wrist  were  bared  to  view — hat  he  had  none — his  ears 
were  very  large,  and  the  rims  of  them  red  with  cold, 
and  his  neck  was  so  immeasurably  long  and  thin,  that 
his  head  appeared  to  topple  for  want  of  support.     When 


The  Dog  Fiend  5 

he  had  come  on  deck,  he  stood  with  one  hand  raised  to 
his  forehead,  touching  his  hair  instead  of  his  hat,  and 
the  other  occupied  with  a  half-roasted  red-herring. 
"  Yes,  sir,*'  said  Smallbones,  standing  before  his 
master. 

"  Be  quick  !  " — commenced  the  lieutenant ;  but  here  his 
attention  was  directed  to  the  red-herring  by  Snarleyyow, 
who  raised  his  head  and  snuffed  at  its  fumes.  Among 
other  disqualifications  of  the  animal,  be  it  observed,  that 
he  had  no  nose  except  for  a  red-herring,  or  a  post  by 
the  way  side.  Mr  Vanslyperken  discontinued  his  orders, 
took  his  hand  out  of  his  great  coat  pocket,  wiped  the 
drop  from  off  his  nose,  and  then  roared  out,  **  How  dare 
you  appear  on  the  quarter-deck  of  a  king's  ship,  sir,  with 
a  red-herring  in  your  fist  ?  " 

"If  you  please,  sir,"  replied  Smallbones,  "  if  I  were  to 
come  for  to  go  to  leave  it  in  the  galley,  I  shouldn't  find 
it  when  I  went  back." 

"What  do  I  care  for  that,  sir?  It's  contrary  to  ail 
the  rules  and  regulations  of  the  service.  Now,  sir,  hear 
me " 

"  O  Lord,  sir  !  let  me  off  this  time,  it's  only  a  soldier" 
replied  Smallbones,  deprecatingly ;  but  Snarleyyow's 
appetite  had  been  very  much  sharpened  by  his  morning's 
walk;  it  rose  with  the  smell  of  the  herring,  so  he  rose 
on  his  hind  legs,  snapped  the  herring  out  of  Smallbones' 
hand,  bolted  forward  by  the  lee  gangway,  and  would  soon 
have  bolted  the  herring,  had  not  Smallbones  bolted  after 
him  and  overtaken  him  just  as  he  had  laid  it  down  on 
the  deck  preparatory  to  commencing  his  meal.  A  fight 
ensued;  Smallbones  received  a  severe  bite  in  the  leg, 
which  induced  him  to  seize  a  handspike,  and  make  a  blow 
with  it  at  the  dog's  head,  which,  if  it  had  been  well  aimed, 
would  have  probably  put  an  end  to  all  further  pilfering. 
As  it  was,  the  handspike  descended  upon  one  of  the  dog's 
fore  toes,  and  Snarleyyow  retreated,  yeUing,  to  the  other 
side  of  the  forecastle,  and  as  soon  as  he  was  out  of  reach, 
hke  all  curs,  bayed  in  defiance. 


6  Snarleyyow;  or, 

Smallbones  picked  up  the  herring,  pulled  up  his 
trousers  to  examine  the  bite,  poured  down  an  anathema 
upon  the  dog,  which  was,  "  May  you  be  starved,  as  I  am, 
you  beast ! "  and  then  turned  round  to  go  aft,  when  he 
struck  against  the  spare  form  of  Mr  Vanslyperken,  who, 
with  his  hands  in  his  pocket,  and  his  trumpet  under  his 
arm,  looked  unutterably  savage. 

**  How  dare  you  beat  my  dog,  you  villain  ? "  said  the 
lieutenant  at  last,  choking  with  passion. 

"  He's  a-bitten  my  leg  through  and  through,  sir," 
replied  Smallbones,  with  a  face  of  alarm. 

"  Well,  sir,  why  have  you  such  thin  legs,  then  ? " 

"  'Cause  I  gets  nothing  to  fill  'em  up  with." 

"  Have  you  not  a  herring  there,  you  herring-gutted 
scoundrel?  which,  in  defiance  of  all  the  rules  of  the 
service,  you  have  brought  on  his  Majesty's  quarter-deck, 
you  greedy  rascal,  and  for  which  I  intend " 

"  It  ar'n't  my  herring,  sir,  it  be  yours — for  your  break- 
fast— the  only  one  that  is  left  out  of  the  half-dozen." 

This  last  remark  appeared  somewhat  to  pacify  Mr 
Vanslyperken. 

**  Go  down  below,  sir,"  said  he,  after  a  pause,  ''and 
let  me  know  when  my  breakfast  is  ready." 

Smallbones  obeyed  immediately,  too  glad  to  escape  so 
easily. 

"Snarleyyow,"  said  his  master,  looking  at  the  dog, 
who  remained  on  the  other  side  of  the  forecastle ;  "  O 
Snarleyyow,  for  shame!  Come  here,  sir.  Come  here, 
sir,  directly." 

But  Snarleyyow,  who  was  very  sulky  at  the  loss  of  his 
anticipated  breakfast,  was  contumacious,  and  would  not 
come.  He  stood  at  the  other  side  of  the  forecastle,  while 
his  master  apostrophised  him,  looking  him  in  the  face. 
Then,  after  a  pause  of  indecision,  he  gave  a  howling  sort 
of  bark,  trotted  away  to  the  main  hatchway,  and  dis- 
appeared below.  Mr  Vanslyperken  returned  to  the 
quarter-deck,  and  turned,  and  turned  as  before. 


The  Dog  Fiend  7 

Chapter   II 

Showing  what  became  of  the  red-herring. 

Smallbones  soon  made  his  re-appearance,  informing  Mr 
VansJyperken  that  his  breakfast  was  ready  for  him,  and 
Mr  Vanslyperken,  feeling  himself  quite  ready  for  his 
breakfast,  went  down  below.  A  minute  after  he  had 
disappeared,  another  man  came  up  to  relieve  the  one  at  the 
wheel,  who,  as  soon  as  he  had  surrendered  up  the  spokes, 
commenced  warming  himself  after  the  most  approved 
method,  by  flapping  his  arms  round  his  body. 

"  The  skipper's  out  o'  sorts  again  this  morning,"  said 
Obadiah,  after  a  time.  "  I  heard  him  muttering  about  the 
woman  at  the  Lust  Haus." 

"  Then,  by  Got,  we  will  have  de  breeze,"  replied 
Jansen,  who  was  a  Dutch  seaman  of  huge  proportions, 
rendered  still  more  preposterous  by  the  multiplicity  of  his 
nether  clothing. 

"  Yes,  as  sure  as  Mother  Carey's  chickens  raise  the  gale, 
so  does  the  name  of  the  Frau  Vandersloosh.  I'll  be  down 
and  get  my  breakfast,  there  may  be  keel-hauling  before 
noon." 

"  Mein  Got — dat  is  de  tyfel." 

"  Keep  her  nor-east,  Jansen,  and  keep  a  sharp  look  out 
for  the  boats." 

"  Got  for  dam — how  must  I  steer  the  chip  and  look  for 
de  boats  at  de  same  time  ? — not  possible." 

**  That's  no  consarn  o'  mine.  Those  are  the  orders,  and 
I  passes  them — you  must  get  over  the  unpossibility  how 
you  can."     So  saying,  Obadiah  Coble  walked  below. 

We  must  do  the  same,  and  introduce  the  reader  to  the 
cabin  of  Lieutenant  Vanslyperken,  which  was  not  very 
splendid  in  its  furniture.  One  small  table,  one  chair,  a 
mattress  in  a  standing  bed-place,  with  curtains  made  of 
bunting,  an  open  cupboard,  containing  three  plates,  one 
tea-cup  and  saucer,  two  drinking  glasses,  and  two  knives. 


8  Snarleyyow;  or, 

More  was  not  required,  as  Mr  Vanslyperken  never  in- 
dulged in  company.  There  was  another  cupboard,  but  it 
was  carefully  locked.  On  the  table  before  the  lieutenant 
was  a  white  wash-hand  basin,  nearly  half  full  of  burgoo, 
a  composition  of  boiled  oatmeal  and  water,  very  whole- 
some, and  very  hot.  It  was  the  allowance,  from  the  ship's 
coppers,  of  Mr  Vanslyperken  and  his  servant  Smallbones. 
Mr  Vanslyperken  was  busy  stirring  it  about  to  cool  it  a 
little,  with  a  leaden  spoon.  Snarleyyow  sat  close  to  him, 
waiting  for  his  share,  and  Smallbones  stood  by,  waiting 
for  orders. 

"  Smallbones,"  said  the  lieutenant,  after  trying  the  hot 
mess  before  him,  and  finding  that  he  was  still  in  danger  of 
burning  his  mouth,  "  bring  me  the  red-herring." 

**  Red-herring,  sir  ?  "  stammered  Smallbones. 

"  Yes,"  replied  his  master,  fixing  his  little  grey  eye 
sternly  on  him,  "  the  red-herring." 

"  It's  gone,  sir  !  "  replied  Smallbones,  with  alarm. 

**  Gone  ! — gone  where  ?  " 

"  If  you  please,  sir,  I  didn't  a-think  that  you  would  have 
touched  it  after  the  dog  had  had  it  in  his  nasty  mouth ; 
and  so,  sir — if  you  please,  sir " 

"  And  so  what  ?  "  said  Vanslyperken,  compressing  his 
thin  lips. 

"  I  ate  it  myself — if  you  please — O  dear — O  dear  !  " 

**  You  did,  did  you — you  gluttonous  scarecrow — you 
did,  did  you  ?  Are  you  aware  that  you  have  committed 
a  theft — and  are  you  aware  of  the  punishment  attending 
it.?" 

"  O  sir — it  was  a  mistake — dear  sir,"  cried  Smallbones, 
whimpering. 

**  In  the  first  place,  I  will  cut  you  to  ribbons  with  the 
cat." 

"  Mercy,  sir — O  sir  !  "  cried  the  lad,  the  tears  streaming 
from  his  eyes. 

"  The  thief's  cat,  with  three  knots  in  each  tail." 

Smallbones  raised  up  his  thin  arms,  and  clasped  his 
hands,  pleading  for  mercy. 


The  Dog  Fiend  9 

**  And  after  the  flogging — you  shall  be  keel-hauled." 

''  O  God !  "  screamed  Smallbones,  falling  down  on  his 
knees,  "  mercy — mercy  !  " 

But  there  was  none.  Snarleyyow,  when  he  saw  the  lad 
go  down  on  his  knees,  flew  at  him,  and  threw  him  on  hrs 
back,  growling  over  him,  and  occasionally  looking  at  his 
master. 

"  Come  here,  Snarleyyow,"  said  Mr  Vanslyperken. 
**  Come  here,  sir,  and  lie  down."  But  Snarleyyow  had 
not  forgotten  the  red-herring ;  so  in  revenge,  he  first  bit 
Smallbones  in  the  thigh,  and  then  obeyed  his  master. 

"  Get  up,  sir,"  cried  the  lieutenant. 

Smallbones  rose,  but  his  temper  now  rose  also ;  he 
forgot  all  that  he  was  to  suffer,  from  indignation  against 
the  dog  :  with  flashing  eyes,  and  whimpering  with  rage,  he 
cried  out,  as  the  tears  fell,  and  his  arms  swung  round,  "I'll 
not  stand  this — I'll  j  ump  overboard — that  I  will :  fourteen 
times  has  that  ere  dog  a-bitten  me  this  week.  Fd  sooner 
die  at  once,  than  be  made  dog's-meat  of  in  this  here  way." 

"Silence,  you  mutinous  rascal,  or  I'll  put  you  in 
irons." 

"  I  wish  you  would — irons  don't  bite,  if  they  hold  fast. 
I'll  run  away — I  don't  mind  being  hung — that  I  don't — 
starved  to  death,  bitten  to  death  in  this  here  way " 

"  Silence,  sir.     It's  over-feeding  that  makes  you  saucy." 

**  The  Lord  forgive  you  ! "  cried  Smallbones,  with 
surprise  ;  "  I've  not  had  a  full  meal " 

"  A  full  meal,  you  rascal !  there's  no  filling  a  thing  like 
you — hollow  from  top  to  bottom,  like  a  bamboo." 

"  And  what  I  does  get,"  continued  Smallbones,  with 
energy,  "  I  pays  dear  for ;  that  ere  dog  flies  at  me,  if  I 
takes  a  bit  o'  biscuit.  I  never  has  a  bite  without  getting  a 
bite,  and  it's  all  my  own  allowance." 

"  A  proof  of  his  fidelity,  and  an  example  to  you,  you 
wretch,"  replied  the  lieutenant,  fondly  patting  the  dog  on 
the  head. 

"  Well,  I  wish  you'd  discharge  me — or  hang  me,  I  don't 
care  which.     You  eats   so  hearty,  and  the  dog  eats  so 


lo  Snarleyyow;  or, 

hearty,  that  I  gets  nothing.  We  are  only  victualled  for 
two." 

**  You  insolent  fellow !  recollect  the  thiePs  cat." 

**  It's  very  hard,"  continued  Smallbones,  unmindful  of 
the  threat,  "that  that  ere  beast  is  to  eat  my  allowance, 
and  be  allowed  to  half  eat  me  too." 

"  You  forget  the  keel-hauling,  you  scarecrow." 

"  Well,  I  hope  I  may  never  come  up  again,  that's  all." 

"  Leave  the  cabin,  sir." 

This  order  Smallbones  obeyed. 

" Snarleyyow,"  said  the  lieutenant,  "you  are  hungry, 
my  poor  beast."  Snarleyyow  put  his  forepaw  up  on  his 
master's  knee.  "  You  shall  have  your  breakfast  soon," 
continued  his  master,  eating  the  burgoo  between  his 
addresses  to  the  animal.  "  Yes,  Snarleyyow,  you  have 
done  wrong  this  morning — you  ought  to  have  no  break- 
fast." Snarleyyow  growled.  "We  are  only  four  years 
acquainted,  and  how  many  scrapes  you  have  got  me  into, 
Snarleyyow  !  "  Snarleyyow  here  put  both  his  paws  upon 
his  master's  knee.  "  Well,  you  are  sorry,  my  poor  dog, 
and  you  shall  have  some  breakfast ; "  and  Mr  Vansly- 
perken  put  the  basin  of  burgoo  on  the  floor,  which  the 
dog  tumbled  down  his  throat  most  rapidly.  "Nay,  my 
dog,  not  so  fast ;  you  must  leave  some  for  Smallbones,  he 
will  require  some  breakfast  before  his  punishment.  There, 
that  will  do ; "  and  Mr  Vanslyperken  wished  to  remove  the 
basin  with  a  little  of  the  burgoo  remaining  in  it.  Snarley- 
yow growled,  would  have  snapped  at  his  master,  but  Mr 
Vanslyperken  shoved  him  away  with  the  bell  mouth  of  his 
speaking-trumpet,  and  recovering  a  portion  of  the  mess, 
put  it  on  the  table  for  the  use  of  poor  Smallbones.  "  Now 
then,  my  dog,  we  will  go  on  deck."  Mr  Vanslyperken 
left  the  cabin,  followed  by  Snarleyyow ;  but  as  soon  as  his 
master  was  half  way  up  the  ladder,  Snarleyyow  turned 
back,  leaped  on  the  chair,  from  the  chair  to  the  table,  and 
then  finished  the  whole  of  the  breakfast  appropriated  for 
Smallbones.  Having  effected  this,  the  dog  followed  his 
master. 


The  Dog  Fiend  ii 

Chapter   III 

A  retrospect,  and  short  description  of  a  new  character. 

But  we  must  leave  poor  Smallbones  to  lament  his  hard 
fate  in  the  fore  peak  of  the  vessel,  and  Mr  Vanslyperken 
and  his  dog  to  walk  the  quarter-deck,  while  we  make 
our  readers  a  little  better  acquainted  with  the  times  in 
which  the  scenes  passed  which  we  are  now  describing, 
as  well  as  with  the  history  of  Mr  Vanslyperken. 

The  date  in  our  first  chapter,  that  of  the  year  1699, 
will,  if  they  refer  back  to  history,  show  them  that  "William 
of  Nassau  had  been  a  few  years  on  the  English  throne,  and 
that  peace  had  just  been  concluded  between  England  with 
its  allies  and  France.  The  king  occasionally  passed  his 
time  in  Holland,  among  his  Dutch  countrymen,  and  the 
English  and  Dutch  fleets,  which  but  a  few  years  before 
were  engaging  with  such  an  obstinacy  of  courage,  had 
lately  sailed  together,  and  turned  their  guns  against  the 
French.  William,  like  all  those  continental  princes  who 
have  been  called  to  the  English  throne,  showed  much 
favour  to  his  own  countrymen,  and  England  was  overrun 
with  Dutch  favourites,  Dutch  courtiers,  and  peers  of  Dutch 
extraction.  He  would  not  even  part  with  his  Dutch 
guards,  and  was  at  issue  with  the  Commons  of  England  on 
that  very  account.  But  the  war  was  now  over,  and  most 
of  the  English  and  Dutch  navy  lay  dismantled  in  port,  a 
few  small  vessels  only  being  in  commission  to  intercept  the 
smuggling  from  France  that  was  carrying  on,  much  to  the 
detriment  of  English  manufacture,  of  certain  articles  then 
denominated  alamodes  and  lutestrings.  The  cutter  we 
have  described  was  on  this  service,  and  was  named  the 
Tungfrau,  although  built  in  England,  and  forming  a  part 
of  the  English  naval  force. 

It  may  readily  be  supposed  that  Dutch  interest,  during 
this  period,  was  in  the  ascendant.  Such  was  the  case  :  and 
the  Dutch  officers  and  seamen  who  could  not  be  employed 


12  Snarleyyow;  or, 

in  their  own  marine  were  appointed  in  the  English  vessels, 
to  the  prejudice  of  our  own  countrymen.  Mr  Vansly- 
perken  was  of  Dutch  extraction,  but  born  in  England  long 
before  the  Prince  of  Orange  had  ever  dreamt  of  being 
called  to  the  English  throne.  He  was  a  near  relation  of 
King  William's  own  nurse,  and  even  in  these  days,  that 
would  cause  powerful  interest.  Previous  to  the  revolution 
he  had  been  laid  on  the  shelf  for  cowardice  in  one  of  the 
engagements  between  the  Dutch  and  the  English,  he  being 
then  a  lieutenant  on  board  of  a  two-decked  ship,  and  of 
long  standing  in  the  service ;  but  before  he  had  been 
appointed  to  this  vessel,  he  had  served  invariably  in  small 
craft,  and  his  want  of  this  necessary  qualification  had 
never  been  discovered.  The  interest  used  for  him  on  the 
accession  of  the  Dutch  king  was  sufficient  for  his  again 
obtaining  the  command  of  a  small  vessel.  In  those  days, 
the  service  was  very  different  from  what  it  is  now.  The 
commanders  of  vessels  were  also  the  pursers,  and  could 
save  a  great  deal  of  money  by  defrauding  the  crew :  and 
further,  the  discipline  of  the  service  was  such  as  would 
astonish  the  modern  philanthropist ;  there  was  no  appeal 
for  subordinates,  and  tyranny  and  oppression,  even  amount- 
ing to  the  destruction  of  life,  were  practised  with  impunity. 
Smollett  has  given  his  readers  some  idea  of  the  state  of  the 
service  a  few  years  after  the  time  of  which  we  are  now 
writing,  when  it  was  infinitely  worse,  for  the  system  of 
the  Dutch,  notorious  for  their  cruelty,  had  been  grafted 
upon  that  of  the  English  :  the  consequence  was,  a  combina- 
tion of  all  that  was  revolting  to  humanity  was  practised 
without  any  notice  being  taken  of  it  by  the  superior 
powers,  provided  that  the  commanders  of  the  vessels  did 
their  duty  when  called  upon,  and  showed  the  necessary 
talent  and  courage. 

Lieutenant  Vanslyperken's  character  may  be  summed  up  in 
the  three  vices  of  avarice,  cowardice,  and  cruelty.  A  miser 
in  the  extreme,  he  had  saved  up  much  money  by  his  having 
had  the  command  of  a  vessel  for  so  many  years,  during 
which  he  had  defrauded  and  pilfered  both  from  the  men 


The  Dog  Fiend  13 

and  the  goverment.  Friends  and  connections  he  had  none 
on  this  side  of  the  water,  and,  when  on  shore,  he  had 
lived  in  a  state  of  abject  misery,  although  he  had  the  means 
of  comfortable  support.  He  was  now  fifty-five  years  of 
age.  Since  he  had  been  appointed  to  the  Tungfrauy  he 
had  been  employed  in  carrying  despatches  to  the  States- 
General  from  King  William,  and  had,  during  his  repeated 
visits  to  the  Hague,  made  acquaintance  with  the  widow 
Vandersloosh,  who  kept  a  Lust  Haus,*  a  place  of  resort  for 
sailors,  where  they  drank  and  danced.  Discovering  that 
the  comfortably  fat  landlady  was  also  very  comfortably 
rich,  Mr  Vanslyperken  had  made  advances,  with  the  hope 
of  obtaining  her  hand  and  handling  her  money.  The 
widow  had,  however,  no  idea  of  accepting  the  offer,  but 
was  too  wise  to  give  him  a  decided  refusal,  as  she  knew  it 
would  be  attended  with  his  preventing  the  crew  of  the 
cutter  from  frequenting  her  house,  and,  thereby,  losing 
much  custom.  Thus  did  she,  at  every  return,  receive  him 
kindly  and  give  him  hopes,  but  nothing  more.  Since  the 
peace,  as  we  before  observed,  the  cutter  had  been 
ordered  for  the  prevention  of  smuggling. 

When  and  how  Mr  Vanslyperken  had  picked  up  his 
favourite  Snarleyyow  cannot  be  discovered,  and  must 
remain  a  secret.  The  men  said  that  the  dog  had  appeared 
on  the  deck  of  the  cutter  in  a  supernatural  way,  and  most 
of  them  looked  upon  him  with  as  much  awe  as  ill-wilJ. 

This  is  certain,  that  the  cutter  had  been  a  little  while 
before  in  a  state  of  mutiny,  and  a  forcible  entry  attempted 
at  night  into  the  lieutenant's  cabin.  It  is  therefore  not 
unreasonable  to  suppose  that  Vanslyperken  felt  that  a  good 
watch-dog  might  be  a  very  useful  appendage  to  his 
establishment,  and  had  procured  one  accordingly.  All  the 
affection  he  ever  showed  to  anything  living  was  certainly 
concentrated  on  this  one  animal,  and,  next  to  his  money, 
Snarleyyow  had  possession  of  his  master's  heart. 

Poor  Smallbones,  cast  on  the  world  without  father  or 
mother,  had  become  starved  before  he  was  on  board  the 

*  Pleasure  House. 


14  Snarleyyow;  or, 

cutter,  and  had  been  starved  ever  ^nce.  As  the  reader 
will  perceive,  his  allowance  was  mostly  eaten  up  by  the 
dog,  and  he  was  left  to  beg  a  precarious  support  from  the 
goodwill  and  charity  of  his  shipmates,  all  of  whom  were 
equally  disgusted  with  the  commander's  cruelty  and  the 
ungainly  temper  of  his  brute  companion. 

Having  entered  into  this  retrospect  for  the  benefit  of 
the  reader,  we  will  now  proceed. 

Mr  Vanslyperken  walked  the  deck  for  nearly  a  quarter 
of  an  hour  without  speaking :  the  men  had  finished  their 
breakfasts,  and  were  lounging  about  the  deck,  for  there 
was  nothing  for  them  to  do,  except  to  look  out  for  the 
return  of  the  two  boats  which  had  been  sent  away  the 
night  before.  The  lieutenant's  thoughts  were,  at  one 
minute,  upon  Mrs  Vandersloosh,  thinking  how  he  could 
persuade  her,  and,  at  another,  upon  Smallbones,  thinking 
how  he  could  render  the  punishment  adequate,  in  his 
opinion,  to  the  magnitude  of  the  offence.  While  discussing 
these  two  important  matters,  one  of  the  men  reported  the 
boats  ahead,  and  broke  up  the  commander's  reverie. 

"  How  far  off?  "  demanded  Mr  Vanslyperken. 

"  About  two  miles." 

**  Pulling  or  sailing  ? " 

"Pulling,  sir  ;  we  stand  right  for  them." 

But  Mr  Vanslyperken  was  in  no  pleasant  humour^  and 
ordered  the  cutter  to  be  hove-to. 

"  I  tink  de  men  have  pull  enough  all  night,"  said  Jansen, 
who  had  just  been  relieved  at  the  wheel,  to  Obadiah 
Coble,  who  was  standing  by  him  on  the  forecastle. 

"  I  think  so  too  :  but  there'll  be  a  breeze,  depend  upon  it 
— never  mind,  the  devil  will  have  his  own  all  in  good  time." 

"  Got  for  dam,"  said  Jansen,  looking  at  Beachy  Head, 
and  shaking  his  own. 

"  Why,  what's  the  matter  now,  old  Schnapps .? "  said 
Coble. 

"  Schnapps — yes — the  tyfel — Schnapps,  I  think  how 
the  French  schnapped  us  Dutchmen  here  when  you 
Englishmen   wouldn't   fight." 


The  Dog  Fiend  15 

"Mind  what  you  say,  old  twenty  breeches — wouldn't 
fight — when  wouldn't  we  fight  ?  " 

"  Here,  where  we  were  now,  by  Got,  you  leave  us 
all  in  the  lurch,  and  not  come  down." 

"Why,  we  couldn't  come  down." 

"  Bah ! "  replied  Jansen,  who  referred  to  the  defeat 
of  the  combined  Dutch  and  English  fleet  by  the  French 
off  Beachy  Head  in   1 690. 

"  We  wouldn't  fight,  heh  ? "  exclaimed  Obadiah  in 
scorn,   "  what  do  you   say  to  the  Hogue  ? " 

"  Yes,  den  you  fought  well — dat  was  good." 

"  And  shall  I  tell  you  why  we  fought  well  at  the  Hogue 
—you  Dutch  porpoise — ^just  because  we  had  no  Dutchmen 
to  help  us." 

"  And  shall  I  tell  you  why  the  Dutch  were  beat  off  this 
Head  ? — because  the  English  wouldn't  come  down  to  help 
us." 

Here  Obadiah  put  his  tongue  into  his  right  cheek. 
Jansen  in  return  threw  his  into  his  left,  and  thus  the 
argument  was  finished.  These  disputes  were  constant 
at  the  time,  but  seldom  proceeded  further  than  words — 
certainly  not  between  Coble  and  Jansen,  who  were  great 
friends. 

The  boats  were  soon  on  board  *,  from  the  time  that  the 
cutter  had  been  hove-to,  every  stroke  of  their  oars  having 
been  accompanied  with  a  nautical  anathema  from  the  crews 
upon  the  head  of  their  commander.  The  steersman  and 
first  officer,  who  had  charge  of  the  boats,  came  over  the 
gangway  and  went  up  to  Vanslyperken.  He  was  a  thick- 
set, stout  man,  about  five  feet  four  inches  high,  and, 
wrapped  up  in  Flushing  garments,  looked  very  much  like 
a  bear  in  shape  as  well  as  in  skin.  His  name  was  Dick 
Short,  and  in  every  respect  he  answered  to  his  name,  for 
he  was  short  in  stature,  short  in  speech,  and  short  in 
decision  and  action. 

Now  when  Short  came  up  to  the  lieutenant,  he  did  not 
consider  it  at  all  necessary  to  say  as  usual,  "  Come  on 
board,  sir,"  for  it  was  self-evident  that  he  had  come  on 


1 6  Snarleyyow;  or, 

board.  He  therefore  said  nothing.  So  abrupt  was  he  in 
his  speech,  that  he  never  even  said  "  Sir,"  when  he  spoke 
to  his  superior,  which  it  may  be  imagined  was  very 
offensive  to  Mr  Vanslyperken  :  so  it  was,  but  Mr  Vansly- 
perken  was  afraid  of  Short,  and  Short  was  not  the  least 
afraid  of  Vanslyperken. 

*'  Well,  what  have  you  done,  Short  ?  " 

"  Nothing." 

"  Did  you  see  anything  of  the  boat  ?  " 

'*  No." 

"  Did  you  gain  any  information  ?  " 

"  No." 

"  What  have  you  been  doing  all  night  ?  " 

''  PuUing." 

"  Did  you  land  to  obtain  information  ?  " 

"  Yes." 

"  And  you  got  none  ?  " 

"No." 

Here  Short  hitched  up  the  waistband  of  his  second  pair 
of  trousers,  turned  short  round,  and  was  going  below, 
when  Snarleyyow  smelt  at  his  heels.  The  man  gave  him 
a  back  kick  with  the  heel  of  his  heavy  boot,  which  sent 
the  dog  off  yelping  and  barking,  and  put  Mr  Vanslyperken 
in  a  great  rage.  Not  venturing  to  resent  this  affront  upon 
his  first  officer,  he  was  reminded  of  Smallbones,  and 
immediately  sent  for  Corporal  Van  Spitter  to  appear  on 
deck. 


Chapter  IV 

In  which  there  is  a  desperate  combat. 

Even  at  this  period  of  the  English  history,  it  was  the 
custom  to  put  a  few  soldiers  on  board  of  the  vessels  of 
war,  and  the  Tungfrau  cutter  had  been  supplied  with  a 
corporal  and  six  men,  all  of  whom  were  belonging  to  the 
Dutch  marine.     To  a  person   who  was  so  unpopular  as 


The  Dog  Fiend  17 

Mr  Vanslyperken,  this  little  force  was  a  great  protection, 
and  both  Corporal  Van  Spitter  and  his  corps  were  well 
treated  by  him.  The  corporal  was  his  purser  and  purveyor, 
and  had  a  very  good  berth  of  it,  for  he  could  cheat  as 
well  as  his  commandant.  He  was,  moreover,  his  prime 
minister,  and  an  obedient  executor  of  all  his  tyranny,  for 
Corporal  Van  Spitter  was  without  a  shadow  of  feeling — 
on  the  contrary,  he  had  pleasure  in  administering  punish- 
ment ;  and  if  Vanslyperken  had  told  him  to  blow  any 
man's  brains  out  belonging  to  the  vessel.  Van  Spitter 
would  have  immediately  obeyed  the  order  without  the 
change  of  a  muscle  in  his  fat,  florid  countenance.  The 
corporal  was  an  enormous  man,  tall,  and  so  corpulent, 
that  he  weighed  nearly  twenty  stone.  Jansen  was  the 
only  one  who  could  rival  him;  he  was  quite  as  tall  as 
the  corporal,  and  as  powerful,  but  he  had  not  the  extra 
weight  of  his  carcass. 

About  five  minutes  after  the  summons,  the  huge  form 
of  Corporal  Van  Spitter  was  seen  to  emerge  slowly  from 
the  hatchway,  which  appeared  barely  wide  enough  to 
admit  the  egress  of  his  broad  shoulders.  He  had  a  flat 
foraging  cap  on  his  head,  which  was  as  large  as  a  buffalo's, 
and  his  person  was  clothed  in  blue  pantaloons,  tight  at 
the  ankle,  rapidly  increasing  in  width  as  they  ascended, 
until  they  diverged  at  the  hips  to  an  expanse  which  was 
something  between  the  sublime  and  the  ridiculous.  The 
upper  part  of  his  body  was  cased  in  a  blue  jacket,  with 
leaden  buttons,  stamped  with  the  rampant  lion,  with  a 
little  tail  behind,  which  was  shoved  up  in  the  air  by  the 
protuberance  of  the  parts.  Having  gained  the  deck,  he 
walked  to  Vanslyperken,  and  raised  the  back  of  his  right 
hand  to  his  forehead. 

"  Corporal  Van  Spitter,  get  your  cats  up  for  punish- 
ment, and  when  you  are  ready  fetch  up  Smallbones." 

Whereupon,  without  reply.  Corporal  Van  Spitter  put 
his  left  foot  behind  the  heel  of  his  right,  and  by  this 
manoeuvre  turned  his  body  round  like  a  capstern,  so  as  to 
bring   his   face   forward,    and   then   walked   off   in   that 

S  B 


i8  Snarleyyow;  or, 

direction.  He  soon  re-appeared  with  all  the  necessary 
implements  of  torture,  laid  them  down  on  one  of  the  lee 
guns,  and  again  departed  to  seek  out  his  victim. 

After  a  short  time,  a  scuffle  was  heard  below,  but  it 
was  soon  over,  and  once  more  appeared  the  corporal  with 
the  spare,  tall  body  of  Smallbones  under  his  arm.  He 
held  him,  grasped  by  the  middle  part,  about  where 
Smallbones'  stomach  ought  to  have  been,  and  the  head 
and  heels  of  the  poor  wretch  both  hung  down  perpen- 
dicularly, and  knocked  together  as  the  corporal  proceeded 
aft. 

As  soon  as  Van  Spitter  had  arrived  at  the  gun  he  laid 
down  his  charge,  who  neither  moved  nor  spoke.  He 
appeared  to  have  resigned  himself  to  the  fate  which 
awaited  him,  and  made  no  resistance  when  he  was  stripped 
by  one  of  the  marines,  and  stretched  over  the  gun.  The 
men,  who  were  on  deck,  said  nothing;  they  looked  at 
each  other  expressively  as  the  preparations  were  made. 
Flogging  a  lad  like  Smallbones  was  too  usual  an  occur- 
rence to  excite  surprise,  and  to  show  their  disgust  would 
have  been  dangerous.  Smallbones'  back  was  now  bared, 
and  miserable  was  the  spectacle ;  the  shoulder-blades 
protruded,  so  that  you  might  put  your  hand  sideways 
under  the  scapula,  and  every  bone  of  the  vertebrae,  and 
every  process  was  clearly  defined  through  the  skin  of  the 
poor  skeleton.  The  punishment  commenced,  and  the  lad 
received  his  three  dozen  without  a  murmur,  the  measured 
sound  of  the  lash  only  being  broken  in  upon  by  the  bay- 
ing of  Snarleyyow,  who  occasionally  would  have  flown 
at  the  victim,  had  he  not  been  kept  off  by  one  of  the 
marines.  During  the  punishment,  Mr  Vanslyperken 
walked  the  deck,  and  turned  and  turned  again  as  before.- 

Smallbones  was  then  cast  loose  by  the  corporal,  who 
was  twirHng  up  his  cat,  when  Snarleyyow,  whom  the 
marine  had  not  watched,  ran  up  to  the  lad,  and  inflicted 
a  severe  bite.  Smallbones,  who  appeared,  at  the  moment, 
to  be  faint  and  lifeless — not  having  risen  from  his  knees 
after  the  marine  had  thrown   his    shirt  over  him,  roused 


The  Dog  Fiend  19 

by  this  new  attack,  appeared  to  spring  into  life  and 
energy ;  he  jumped  up,  uttered  a  savage  yell,  and  to  the 
astonishment  of  everybody,  threw  himself  upon  the  dog 
as  he  retreated,  and  holding  him  fast  with  his  naked  arms, 
met  the  animal  with  his  own  weapons,  attacking  him  with 
a  frenzied  resolution  with  his  teeth.  Everybody  started 
back  at  this  unusual  conflict,  and  no  one  interfered. 

Long  was  the  struggle,  and  such  was  the  savage 
energy  of  the  lad,  that  he  bit  and  held  on  with  the 
tenacity  of  a  bull-dog,  tearing  the  lips  of  the  animal, 
his  ears,  and  burying  his  face  in  the  dog's  throat,  as  his 
teeth  were  firmly  fixed  on  his  windpipe.  The  dog  could 
not  escape,  for  Smallbones  held  him  like  a  vice.  At  last, 
the  dog  appeared  to  have  the  advantage,  for  as  they 
rolled  over  and  over,  he  caught  the  lad  by  the  side  of 
the  neck ;  but  Smallbones  recovered  himself,  and  getting 
the  foot  of  Snarleyyow  between  his  teeth,  the  dog  threw 
up  his  head  and  howled  for  succour.  Mr  Vanslyperken 
rushed  to  his  assistance,  and  struck  Smallbones  a  heavy 
blow  on  the  head  with  his  speaking-trumpet,  which 
stunned  him,  and  he  let  go  his  hold. 

Short,  who  had  come  on  deck,  perceiving  this,  and 
that  the  dog  was  about  to  resume  the  attack,  saluted 
Snarleyyow  with  a  kick  on  his  side,  which  threw  him 
down  the  hatchway,  which  was  about  three  yards  off 
from  where  the  dog  was  at  the  time. 

"  How  dare  you  strike  my  dog,  Mr  Short  ? "  cried 
Vanslyperken. 

Short  did  not  condescend  to  answer,  but  went  to 
Smallbones  and  raised  his  head.  The  lad  revived.  He 
was  terribly  bitten  about  the  face  and  neck,  and  what 
with  the  wounds  in  front,  and  the  lashing  from  the  cat, 
presented  a  melancholy  spectacle. 

Short  called  some  of  the  men  to  take  Smallbones 
below,  in  which  act  they  readily  assisted  j  they  washed 
him  all  over  with  salt  water,  and  the  smarting  from  his 
various  wounds  brought  him  to  his  senses.  He  was  then 
put  in  his  hammock. 


20  Snarleyyow;  or, 

Vanslyperken  and  the  corporal  looked  at  each  other 
during  the  time  that  Short  was  giving  his  directions — 
neither  interfered.  The  lieutenant  was  afraid,  and  the 
corporal  waited  for  orders.  So  soon  as  the  men  had 
carried  the  lad  below,  Corporal  Van  Spitter  put  his  hand 
up  to  his  foraging  cap,  and  with  his  cat  and  seizings 
under  his  arm,  went  down  below.  As  for  Vanslyperken, 
his  wrath  was  even  greater  than  before,  and  with  hands 
thrust  even  further  down  in  his  pockets  than  ever,  and 
the  speaking-trumpet  now  battered  flat  with  the  blow 
which  he  had  administered  to  Smallbones,  he  walked  up 
and  down,  muttering  every  two  minutes,  "  I'll  keel-haul 
the  scoundrel,  by  heavens  !  Til  teach  him  to  bite  my 
dog." 

Snarleyyow  did  not  re-appear  on  deck ;  he  had  received 
such  punishment  as  he  did  not  expect.  He  licked  the 
wounds  where  he  could  get  at  them,  and  then  remained 
in  the  cabin  in  a  sort  of  perturbed  slumber,  growling 
every  minute  as  if  he  were  fighting  the  battle  over  again 
in  his  sleep. 


Chapter    V 

A  consultat  on  in  which  there  is  much  mutiny. 

This  consultation  was  held  upon  the  forecastle  of  his 
Majesty's  cutter  Tungfrau,  on  the  evening  after  the 
punishment  of  Smallbones.  The  major  part  of  the  crew 
attended  ;  all  but  the  Corporal  Van  Spitter,  who,  on  these 
points,  was  known  to  split  with  the  crew,  and  his  six 
marines,  who  formed  the  corporal's  tail,  at  which  they 
were  always  to  be  found.  The  principal  personage  was 
not  the  most  eloquent  speaker,  for  it  was  Dick  Short,  who 
was  supported  by  Obadiah  Coble,  Yack  Jansen,  and  another 
personage,  whom  we  must  introduce,  the  boatswain  or 
boatswain's  mate  of  the  cutter ;  for  although  he  received 
the   title  of  the  former,  he  only  received  the  pay  of  the 


The  Dog  Fiend  21 

latter.  This  person's  real  name  was  James  Salisbury,  but 
for  reasons  which  will  be  explained  he  was  invariably 
addressed  or  spoken  of  as  Jemmy  Ducks.  He  was  indeed 
a  very  singular  variety  of  human  discrepancy  as  to  form  :  he 
was  handsome  in  face,  with  a  manly  countenance,  fierce 
whiskers  and  long  pigtail,  which  on  him  appeared  more 
than  unusually  long,  as  it  descended  to  within  a  foot  of  the 
deck.  His  shoulders  were  square,  chest  expanded,  and, 
as  far  as  half-way  down,  that  is,  to  where  the  legs  are 
inserted  into  the  human  frame,  he  was  a  fine,  well-made, 
handsome,  well-proportioned  man.  But  what  a  falling  off 
was  there  ! — for  some  reason,  some  accident,  it  is  supposed, 
in  his  infancy,  his  legs  had  never  grown  in  length  since  he 
was  three  years  old :  they  were  stout  as  well  as  his  body, 
but  not  more  than  eighteen  inches  from  the  hip  to  the 
heel ;  and  he  consequently  waddled  about  a  very  ridiculous 
figure,  for  he  was  like  a  man  razeed  or  cut  down.  Put 
him  on  an  eminence  of  a  couple  of  ^eet,  and  not  see  his 
legs,  and  you  would  say  at  a  distance,  "  What  a  fine  looking 
sailor  !  "  but  lee  him  get  down  and  walk  up  to  you,  and  you 
would  find  that  nature  had  not  finished  what  she  had  so 
well  begun,  and  that  you  are  exactly  half  mistaken.  This 
malconformation  below  did  not,  however,  affect  his 
strength,  it  rather  added  to  it ;  and  there  were  but  few  men 
in  the  ship  who  would  venture  a  wrestle  with  the  boat- 
swain, who  was  very  appropriately  distinguished  by  the 
cognomen  of  Jemmy  Ducks.  Jemmy  was  a  sensible,  merry 
fellow,  and  a  good  seaman  :  you  could  not  affront  him  by 
any  jokes  on  his  figure,  for  he  would  joke  with  you.  He 
was  indeed  the  fiddle  of  the  ship's  company,  and  he  always 
played  the  fiddle  to  them  when  they  danced,  on  which 
instrument  he  was  no  mean  performer  ;  and,  moreover, 
accompanied  his  voice  with  his  instrument  when  he  sang  to 
them  after  they  were  tired  of  dancing.  We  shall  only 
observe  that  Jemmy  was  a  married  man,  and  he  had  selected 
one  of  the  tallest  of  the  other  sex  :  of  her  beauty  the  less  that 
is  said  the  better — Jemmy  did  not  look  to  that,  or  perhaps, 
at  such  a  height,  her  face  did  not  appear  so  plain  to  him  as 


22  Snarleyyow;  or, 

it  did  who  were  to  those  more  on  a  level  with  it.  The 
effect  of  perspective  is  well  known,  and  even  children  now 
have  as  playthings,  castles,  &c.,  laid  down  on  card,  which, 
when  looked  at  in  a  proper  direction,  appear  just  as  correct 
as  they  do  preposterous  when  lying  flat  before  you. 

Now  it  happened  that  from  the  level  that  Jemmy  looked 
up  from  to  his  wife's  face,  her  inharmonious  features  were 
all  in  harmony,  and  thus  did  she  appear — what  is  very 
advantageous  in  the  marriage  state — perfection  to  her 
husband,  without  sufficient  charms  in  the  eyes  of  others  to 
induce  them  to  seduce  her  from  her  liege  lord.  Moreover, 
let  it  be  recollected,  that  what  Jemmy  ivanted  was  height, 
and  he  had  gained  what  he  required  in  his  wife,  if  not  in 
his  own  person  :  his  wife  was  passionately  fond  of  him, 
and  very  jealous,  which  was  not  to  be  wondered  at,  for,  as 
she  said,  "  there  never  was  such  a  husband  before  or 
since." 

We  must  now  return  to  the  conference,  observing,  that 
all  these  parties  were  sitting  down  on  the  deck,  and  that 
Jemmy  Ducks  had  his  fiddle  in  his  hand,  holding  it  with 
the  body  downwards  like  a  bass  viol,  for  he  always  played 
it  in  that  way,  and  that  he  occasionally  fingered  the  strings, 
pinching  them  as  you  do  a  guitar,  so  as  to  send  the  sound 
of  it  aft,  that  Mr  Vanslyperken  might  suppose  that  they 
were  all  met  for  mirth.  Two  or  three  had  their  eyes 
directed  aft,  that  the  appearance  of  Corporal  Van  Spitter 
or  the  marines  might  be  immediately  perceived  j  for, 
although  the  corporal  was  not  a  figure  to  slide  into  a 
conference  unperceived,  it  was  well  known  that  he  was  an 
eavesdropper. 

"  One  thing*s  sartain,"  observed  Coble,  "  that  a  dog's 
not  an  officer." 

"  No,"  replied  Dick  Short. 

"He's  not  on  the  ship's  books,  so  I  can't  see  how  it  can 
be  mutiny." 

"  No,"  rejoined  Short. 

"  Mein  Got — he  is  not  a  tog,  he  is  te  tyfel,"  observed 
Jansen. 


The  Dog  Fiend  23 

**  Who  knows  how  he  came  into  the  cutter  ?  " 

"  There's  a  queer  story  about  that,"  said  one  of  the 
men. 

Turn  tum,  tumty  turn — said  the  fiddle  of  Jemmy  Ducks, 
as  if  it  took  part  in  the  conference. 

"  That  poor  boy  will  be  killed  if  things  go  on  this 
way :  the  skipper  will  never  be  content  till  he  has  driven 
his  soul  out  of  his  body — poor  creature  ;  only  look  at  him 
as  he  lies  in  his  hammock." 

"I  never  seed  a  Christian  such  an  object,"  said  one  of 
the  sailors. 

"  If  the  dog  ain't  killed,  Bones  will  be,  that's  sartain," 
observed  Coble,  "  and  I  don't  see  why  the  preference 
should  be  given  to  a  human  individual,  although  the  dog 
is  the  skipper's  dog — now  then,  what  d'ye  say,  my  lads  ? " 

Tum  tum,  tum  tum,  tumty  tumty  tum,  replied  the 
fiddle. 

**  Let's  hang  him  at  once." 

**  No,"  replied  Short. 

Jansen  took  out  his  snickerree,  looked  at  Short,  and 
made  a  motion  with  the  knife,  as  if  passing  it  across  the 
dog's  throat. 

"  No,"  replied  Short. 

**  Let's  launch  him  overboard  at  night,"  said  one  of  the 
men. 

"But  how  is  one  to  get  the  brute  out  of  the  cabin?" 
said  Coble  ;  **  if  it's  done  at  all  it  must  be  done  by  day." 

Short  nodded  his  head. 

"I  will  give  him  a  launch  the  first  opportunity," 
observed  Jemmy  Ducks,  **only — "  (continued  he  in  a 
measured  and  lower  tone)  "  I  should  first  like  to  know 
whether  he  really  is  a  dog  or  w/." 

**  A  tog  is  a  tog,"  observed  Jansen. 

**  Yes,"  replied  one  of  the  forecastle  men,  "  we  all  know 
a  dog  is  a  dog,  but  the  question  is — is  this  dog  a  dog  ? " 

Here  there  was  a  pause,  which  Jemmy  Ducks  filled  up 
by  again  touching  the  strings  of  his  fiddle. 

The  fact  was,  that,  although  every  one  of  the  sailors 


24  Snarleyyow;  or, 

wished  the  dog  was  overboard,  there  was  not  one  who 
wished  to  commit  the  deed,  not  on  account  of  the  fear  of  its 
being  discovered  who  was  the  party  by  Mr  Vanslyperken, 
but  because  there  was  a  great  deal  of  superstition  among 
them.  It  was  considered  unlucky  to  throw  any  dog  or 
animal  overboard ;  but  the  strange  stories  told  about  the 
way  in  which  Snarleyyow  first  made  his  appearance  in  the 
vessel,  added  to  the  peculiarly  diabolical  temper  of  the 
animal,  had  often  been  the  theme  of  midnight  conversation, 
and  many  of  them  were  convinced  that  it  was  an  imp  of 
Satan  lent  to  Vanslyperken,  and  that,  to  injure  or  to 
attempt  to  destroy  it  would  infallibly  be  followed  up  with 
terrible  consequences  to  the  party,  if  not  to  the  vessel  and 
all  the  crew.  Even  Short,  Coble,  and  Jansen,  who  were 
the  boldest  and  leading  men,  although  when  their  sym- 
pathies were  roused  by  the  sufferings  of  poor  Smallbones 
they  were  anxious  to  revenge  him,  had  their  own  mis- 
givings, and,  on  consideration,  did  not  like  to  have 
anything  to  do  with  the  business.  But  each  of  them  kept 
their  reflections  to  themselves,  for,  if  they  could  not 
combat,  they  were  too  proud  to  acknowledge  them. 

The  reader  will  observe  that  all  their  plans  were 
immediately  put  an  end  to  until  this  important  question, 
and  not  a  little  difficult  one,  was  decided — Was  the  dog  a 
dog? 

Now,  although  the  story  had  often  been  told,  yet,  as 
the  crew  of  the  cutter  had  been  paid  off  since  the  animal 
had  been  brought  on  board,  there  was  no  man  in  the  ship 
who  could  positively  detail,  from  his  own  knowledge,  the 
facts  connected  with  his  first  appearance — there  was  only 
tradition,  and,  to  solve  this  question,  to  tradition  they  were 
obliged  to  repair. 

"  Now,  Bill  Spurey,"  said  Coble,  "  you  know  more 
about  this  matter  than  any  one,  so  just  spin  us  the  yarn, 
and  then  we  shall  be  able  to  talk  the  matter  over  soberly." 

"  Well,"  replied  Bill  Spurey,  "  you  shall  have  it  just  as 
I  got  it  word  for  word,  as  near  as  I  can  recollect.  You 
know  I  wasn't  in  the  craft  when  the  thing  came  on  board. 


The  Dog  Fiend  25 

but  Joe  Geary  was,  and  it  was  one  night  when  we  were 
boozing  over  a  stiff  glass  at  the  new  shop  there,  the 
Orange  Boven,  as  they  call  it,  at  the  Pint  at  Portsmouth — 
and  so  you  see,  falling  in  with  him,  I  wished  to  learn 
something  about  my  new  skipper,  and  what  sort  of  a  chap 
I  should  have  to  deal  with.  When  I  learnt  all  about  him, 
Fd  half-a-dozen  minds  to  shove  off  again,  but  then  I  was 
adrift,  and  so  I  thought  better  of  it.  It  won't  do  to  be 
nice  in  peace  times  you  know,  my  lads,  when  all  the  big 
ships  are  rotting  in  Southampton  and  Cinque  Port  muds. 
Well,  then,  what  he  told  me  I  recollect  as  well — ay,  every 
word  of  it — as  if  he  had  whispered  it  into  my  ear  but  this 
minute.  It  was  a  blustering  night,  with  a  dirty  south- 
wester,  and  the  chafing  of  the  harbour  waves  was  thrown 
up  in  foams,  which  the  winds  swept  up  the  street,  they 
chasing  one  another  as  if  they  were  boys  at  play.  It  was 
about  two  bells  in  the  middle  watch,  and  after  our  fifth 
glass,  that  Joe  Geary  said  as  this : 

"It  was  one  dark  winter's  night  when  we  were  off  the 
Texel,  blowing  terribly,  with  the  coast  under  our  lee, 
clawing  off  under  storm  canvas,  and  fighting  with  the 
elements  for  every  inch  of  ground,  a  hand  in  the  chains, 
for  we  had  nothing  but  the  lead  to  trust  to,  and  the  vessel 
so  flogged  by  the  waves,  that  he  was  lashed  to  the  rigging, 
that  he  might  not  be  washed  away  j  all  of  a  sudden  the 
wind  came  with  a  blast  loud  enough  for  the  last  trump, 
and  the  waves  roared  till  they  were  hoarser  than  ever; 
away  went  the  vessel's  mast,  although  there  was  no  more 
canvas  on  it  than  a  jib  pocket-handkerchief,  and  the  craft 
rolled  and  tossed  in  the  deep  troughs  for  all  the  world  like 
a  wicked  man  dying  in  despair  ;  and  then  she  was  a  wreck, 
with  nothing  to  help  us  but  God  Almighty,  fast  borne 
down  upon  the  sands  which  the  waters  had  disturbed,  and 
were  dashing  about  until  they  themselves  were  weary  of 
the  load ;  and  all  the  seamen  cried  unto  the  Lord,  as  well 
they  might. 

**  Now,  they  say,  that  he  did  not  cry  as  they  did,  like 
men  and  Christians,  to  Him  who  made  them  and  the  waters 


26  Snarleyyow;  or, 

which  surrounded  and  threatened  them;  for  Death  was 
then  in  all  his  glory,  and  the  foaming  crests  of  the  waves 
were  as  plumes  of  feathers  to  his  skeleton  head  beneath 
them;  but  he  cried  like  a  child — and  swore  terribly  as 
well  as  cried — talking  about  his  money,  his  dear  money, 
and  not  caring  about  his  more  precious  soul. 

"  And  the  cutter  was  borne  down,  every  wave  pushing 
her  with  giant  force  nearer  and  nearer  to  destruction, 
when  the  man  at  the  chains  shrieked  out — *  Mark  three, 
and  the  Lord  have  mercy  on  our  souls  !  '  and  all  the  crew, 
when  they  heard  this,  cried  out — *  Lord,  save  us,  or  we 
perish.'  But  still  they  thought  that  their  time  was  come, 
for  the  breaking  waves  were  under  their  lee,  and  the 
yellow  waters  told  them  that,  in  a  few  minutes,  the  vessel, 
and  all  who  were  on  board,  would  be  shivered  in 
fragments ;  and  some  wept  and  some  prayed  as  they  clung 
to  the  bulwarks  of  the  unguided  vessel,  and  others  in  a 
few  minutes  thought  over  their  whole  life,  and  waited 
for  death  in  silence.  But  he,  he  did  all ;  he  cried,  and 
he  prayed,  and  he  swore,  and  he  was  silent,  and  at  last  he 
became  furious  and  frantic  ;  and  when  the  men  said  again 
and  again,  *  The  Lord  save  us  ! '  he  roared  out  at   last, 

**Will  the  devil  help  us,  for '     In  a  moment,  before 

these  first  words  were  out  of  his  mouth,  there  was  a  flash 
of  lightning,  that  appeared  to  strike  the  vessel,  but  it 
harmed  her  not,  neither  did  any  thunder  follow  the  flash ; 
but  a  ball  of  blue  flame  pitched  upon  the  knight  heads, 
and  then  came  bounding  and  dancing  aft  to  the  taffrail, 
where  he  stood  alone,  for  the  men  had  left  him  to  blaspheme 
by  himself.  Some  say  he  was  heard  to  speak,  as  if  in 
conversation,  but  no  one  knows  what  passed.  Be  it  as  it 
may,  on  a  sudden  he  walked  forward  as  brave  as  could  be, 
and  was  followed  by  this  creature,  who  carried  his  head 
and  tail  slouching,  as  he  does  now. 

"  And  the  dog  looked  up  and  gave  one  deep  bark,  and 
as  soon  as  he  had  barked  the  wind  appeared  to  lull — he 
barked  again  twice,  and  there  was  a  dead  calm — he  barked 
again  thrice,  and  the  seas  went  down — and  he  patted  the 


The  Dog  Fiend  27 

dog  on  the  head,  and  the  animal  then  bayed  loud  for 
a  minute  or  two,  and  then,  to  the  astonishment  and  fear 
of  all,  instead  of  the  vessel  being  within  a  cable's  length 
of  the  Texel  sands  in  a  heavy  gale,  and  without  hope,  the 
Foreland  lights  were  but  two  miles  on  our  beam  with  a 
clear  sky  and  smooth  water." 

The  seaman  finished  his  legend,  and  there  was  a  dead 
silence  for  a  minute  or  two,  broken  first  by  Jansen,  who 
in  a  low  voice  said,  "  Then  te  tog  is  not  a  tog." 

"No,"  replied  Coble,  "an  imp  sent  by  the  devil  to  his 
follower  in  distress." 

"  Yes,"  said  Short. 

"  Well,  but,"  said  Jemmy  Ducks,  who  for  some  time 
had  left  off  touching  the  strings  of  his  fiddle,  "  it  would 
be  the  work  of  a  good  Christian  to  kill  the  brute." 

*'  It's  not  a  mortal  animal.  Jemmy." 

«*  True,  I  forgot  that." 

**  Gifen  by  de  tyfel,"  observed  Jansen. 

"  Ay,  and  christened  by  him  too,"  continued  Coble. 
"Who  ever  heard  any  Christian  brute  with  such  a 
damnable  name  ? " 

"  Well,  what's  to  be  done  ? " 

"Why,"  replied  Jemmy  Ducks,  "  at  all  events,  imp  o' 
Satan  or  not,  that  ere  Smallbones  fought  him  to-day  with 
his  own  weapons." 

"  And  beat  him  too,"  said  Coble. 

"  Yes,"  said  Short. 

"  Now,  it's  my  opinion,  that  Smallbones  ar'n't  afraid  of 
him,"  continued  Jemmy  Ducks,  "  and  devil  or  no  devil, 
he'll  kill  him  if  he  can." 

"  He's  the  proper  person  to  do  it,"  replied  Coble  ;  "  the 
more  so,  as  you  may  say  that  he's  his  natural  enemy." 

"  Yes,  mein  Got,  de  poy  is  de  man,"  said  Jansen. 

"  We'll  put  him  up  to  it  at  all  events,  as  soon  as  he  is 
out  of  his  hammock,"  rejoined  Jemmy  Ducks. 

A  little  more  conversation  took  place,  and  then  it  was 
carried  unanimously  that  Smallbones  should  destroy  the 
animal,  if  it  was  possible  to  destroy  it. 


28  Snarleyyow;  or, 

The  only  party  who  was  not  consulted  was  Smallbones 
himself,  who  lay  fast  asleep  in  his  hammock.  The 
consultation  then  broke  up,  and  they  all  went  below. 


Chapter  VI 

In  which,  as  often  happens  at  sea  when  signals  are  not  made  out,  friends 
exchange  broadsides. 

Notwithstanding  all  the  precautions  of  the  party  on  the 
forecastle,  this  consultation  had  been  heard  by  no  less  a 
person  than  the  huge  Corporal  Van  Spitter,  who  had  an 
idea  that  there  was  some  mystery  going  on  forward,  and 
had  contrived  to  crawl  up  under  the  bulwark,  and  throw 
himself  down  on  the  forestaysail,  which  lay  between  two 
of  the  guns.  Having  so  done  without  being  perceived, 
for  it  was  at  the  very  moment  that  the  party  were  all 
listening  to  Bill  Spurey's  legend  of  the  dog's  first  appear- 
ance on  board,  he  threw  a  part  of  the  sail  over  his  fat 
carcass,  and  thus  remained  undiscovered  during  the  re- 
mainder of  the  colloquy.  He  heard  them  all  descending 
below,  and  remained  still  quiet,  till  he  imagined  that  the 
forecastle  was  clear.  In  the  meantime  Mr  Vanslyperken, 
who  had  been  walking  the  deck  abaft,  unaccompanied  by 
his  faithful  attendant  (for  Snarleyyow  remained  coiled  up 
on  his  master's  bed),  was  meditating  deeply  how  to  gratify 
the  two  most  powerful  passions  in  our  nature,  love  and 
revenge :  at  one  moment  thinking  of  the  fat  fair  Vander- 
sloosh,  and  of  hauling  in  her  guilders,  at  another  reverting 
to  the  starved  Smallbones  and  the  comfort  of  a  keel- 
hauling. The  long  conference  on  the  forecastle  had  not 
been  unperceived  by  the  hawk's  eye  of  the  lieutenant, 
and  as  they  descended,  he  walked  forward  to  ascertain 
if  he  could  not  pick  up  some  straggler  who,  unsupported 
by  his  comrades,  might  be  induced  by  fear  to  acquaint 
him  with  the  subject  of  the  discussion.  Now,  just  as 
Mr   Vanslyperken   came    forward   Corporal   Van   Spitter 


The  Dog  Fiend  29 

had  removed  the  canvas  from  his  body,  and  was  about 
to  rise  from  his  bed,  when  he  perceived  somebody  coming 
forward.  Not  making  it  out  to  be  the  lieutenant,  he 
immediately  dropped  down  again  and  drew  the  canvas 
over  him.  Mr  Vanslyperken  perceived  this  manoeuvre, 
and  thought  he  had  now  caught  one  of  the  conspirators, 
and,  moreover,  one  who  showed  such  fear  as  to  warrant 
the  supposition  that  he  should  be  able  to  extract  from 
him  the  results  of  the  night's  unusually  long  conference. 

Mr  Vanslyperken  walked  up  to  where  the  corporal  lay 
as  quiet,  but  not  quite  so  small,  as  a  mouse.  It  occurred 
to  Mr  Vanslyperken  that  a  little  taste  of  punishment  in 
esse  would  very  much  assist  the  threats  of  what  might 
be  received  in  posse ;  so  he  laid  aside  his  speaking-trumpet, 
looked  round,  picked  up  a  handspike,  and  raising  it  above 
his  head,  down  it  came,  with  all  the  force  of  the  lieu- 
tenant's arm,  upon  Corporal  Van  Spitter,  whose  carcass 
resounded  like  a  huge  kettle-drum. 

"Tunder  and  flame,"  roared  the  corporal  under  the 
canvas,  thinking  that  one  of  the  seamen,  having  discovered 
him  eavesdropping,  had  thus  wreaked  his  revenge,  taking 
advantage  of  his  being  covered  up,  and  pretending  not  to 
know  him.  "Tunder  and  flame!"  roared  the  corporal, 
muffled  up  in  the  canvas,  and  trying  to  extricate  himself; 
but  his  voice  was  not  recognised  by  the  lieutenant,  and, 
before  he  could  get  clear  of  his  envelope,  the  handspike 
had  again  descended ;  when  up  rose  the  corporal,  like 
a  buffalo  out  of  his  muddy  lair,  half-blinded  by  the  last 
blow,  which  had  fallen  on  his  head,  ran  full  butt  at  the 
lieutenant,  and  precipitated  his  senior  officer  and  commander 
headlong  down  the  fore-hatchway. 

Vanslyperken  fell  with  great  force,  was  stunned,  and 
lay  without  motion  at  the  foot  of  the  ladder,  while  the 
corporal,  whose  wrath  was  always  excessive  when  his 
blood  was  up,  but  whose  phlegmatic  blood  could  not 
be  raised  without  some  such  decided  stimulus  as  a  hand- 
spike, now  turned  round  and  round  the  forecastle,  like 
a  bull  looking  for  his  assailants ;   but   the  corporal  had 


30  Snarleyyow;  or, 

the  forecastle  all  to  himself,  and,  as  he  gradually  cooled 
down,  he  saw  lying  close  to  him  the  speaking-trumpet 
of  his  senior  officer. 

**  Tousand  tyfels,"  murmured  Corporal  Van  Spitter, 
"  but  it  must  have  been  the  skipper.  Got  for  damn,  dis 
is  hanging  matter !  "  Corporal  Van  Spitter  was  as  cool  as 
a  cucumber  as  soon  as  he  observed  what  a  mistake  he  had 
made  ;  in  fact,  he  quivered  and  trembled  in  his  fat.  "  But 
then,"  thought  he,  "  perhaps  he  did  not  know  me — no,  he 
could  not,  or  he  never  would  have  handspiked  wf."  So 
Corporal  Van  Spitter  walked  down  the  hatchway,  where 
he  ascertained  that  his  commandant  lay  insensible.  "  Dat  is 
good,"  thought  he,  and  he  went  aft,  lighted  his  lanthorn, 
and,  as  a  ruse,  knocked  at  the  cabin-door.  Receiving  no 
answer  but  the  growl  of  Snarleyyow,  he  went  in,  and  then 
ascended  to  the  quarter-deck,  looked  round  him,  and 
inquired  of  the  man  at  the  wheel  where  Mr  Vanslyperken 
might  be.  The  man  replied  that  he  had  gone  forward  a 
few  minutes  before,  and  thither  the  corporal  proceeded. 
Of  course,  not  finding  him,  he  returned,  telling  the  man 
that  the  skipper  was  not  in  the  cabin  or  the  forecastle,  and 
wondering  where  he  could  be.  He  then  descended  to  the 
next  officer  in  command,  Dick  Short,  and  called  him. 

"Well,"  said  Short. 

"  Can't  find  Mr  Vanslyperken  anywhere,"  said  the 
corporal. 

"  Look,"  replied  Dick,  turning  round  in  his  hammock. 

"  Mein  Got,  I  have  looked  de  forecastle,  de  quarter- 
deck, and  de  cabin, — he  not  anywhere." 

"  Overboard,"  replied  Dick. 

"  I  come  to  you,  sir,  to  make  inquiry,"  said  the 
corporal. 

"  Turn  out,"  said  Dick,  suiting  the  action  to  the  words, 
and  lighting  with  his  feet  on  the  deck  in  his  shirt. 

While  Short  was  dressing  himself,  the  corporal  sum- 
moned up  all  his  marines  ;  and  the  noise  occasioned  by  this 
turn  out,  and  the  conversation  overheard  by  those  who 
were  awake,  soon  gave  the  crew  of  the  cutter  to  under- 


The  Dog  Fiend  31 

stand  that  some  accident  had  happened  to  their  commander. 
Even  Smallbones  had  it  whispered  in  his  ear  that  Mr 
Vanslyperken  had  fallen  overboard,  and  he  smiled  as  he  lay- 
in  the  dark,  smarting  with  his  wounds,  muttering  to  him- 
self that  Snarleyyow  should  soon  follow  his  master.  By 
the  time  that  Short  was  on  the  quarter-deck,  Corporal  Van 
Spitter,  who  knew  very  well  where  to  look  for  it,  had, 
very  much  to  the  disappointment  of  the  crew,  found  the 
body  of  Mr  Vanslyperken,  and  the  marines  had  brought  it 
aft  to  the  cabin,  and  would  have  laid  it  on  the  bed,  had 
not  Snarleyyow,  who  had  no  feeling  in  his  composition, 
positively  denied  its  being  put  there. 

Short  came  down  and  examined  his  superior  officer. 

"  Is  he  dead  ?  "  inquired  the  corporal  with  alarm. 

"  No,"  replied  Short. 

**  Vat  can  it  be  then  ?  "  said  the  corporal. 

"  Stunned,"  replied  Short. 

**  Mein  Got !  how  could  it  happen  ?  " 

"Tumbled,"  replied  Short. 

"What  shall  we  do,  sir  ?  "  rejoined  the  corporal. 

"  Bed,"  replied  Short,  turning  on  his  heel,  and  a  minute 
after  turning  into  his  hammock. 

"  Mein  Got,  the  dog  will  not  let  him  go  to  bed,"  ex- 
claimed the  corporal. 

"  Let's  put  him  in,"  said  one  of  the  marines,  "  the  dog 
won't  bite  his  master." 

So  the  marines  lifted  up  the  still  insensible  Mr  Vansly- 
perken, and  almost  tossed  him  into  his  standing  bed-place, 
right  on  the  body  of  the  snarling  dog,  who,  as  soon  as  he 
could  disengage  himself  from  the  weight,  revenged  himself 
by  making  his  teeth  meet  more  than  once  through  the 
lanthorn  cheek  of  his  master,  and  then  leaping  off  the  bed, 
retreated  growling  under  the  table. 

"  Well,  you  are  a  nice  dog,"  exclaimed  one  of  the 
marines,  looking  after  Snarleyyow  in  his  retreat. 

Now,  there  was  no  medical  assistance  on  board  so  small 
a  vessel.  Mr  Vanslyperken,  was  allowed  a  small 
quantity  of  medicine,  unguents,  &c.,  but  these  he  always 


32  Snarleyyow;  or, 

sold  to  an  apothecary,  as  soon  as  he  had  procured  them  from 
the  authorities.  The  teeth  of  the  dog  had,  however,  their 
effect,  and  Mr  Vanslyperken  opened  his  eyes,  and  in  a  faint 
voice  cried  "  Snarleyyow."  Oh,  if  the  dog  had  any  spark 
of  feeling,  how  must  he  then  have  been  stung  with  remorse 
at  his  ingratitude  to  so  kind  a  master  !  But  he  apparently 
showed  none,  at  least,  report  does  not  say  that  any 
symptoms  were  manifest. 

After  a  little  burnt  oakum  had  excoriated  his  nose,  and 
a  certain  quantity  of  the  cold  salt-water  from  alongside  had 
wetted  through  his  bed-clothes,  Mr  Vanslyperken  was 
completely  recovered,  and  was  able  to  speak  and  look  about 
him.  Corporal  Van  Spitter  trembled  a  little  as  his  com- 
mandant fixed  his  eyes  upon  him,  and  he  redoubled  his 
attention. 

"Mein  Got,  Mynheer  Vanslyperken,  how  was  this 
happen  ? "  exclaimed  the  corporal  in  a  pathetic  tone. 
Whereupon  Mr  Vanslyperken  ordered  every  one  to  leave 
the  cabin  but  Corporal  Van  Spitter. 

Mr  Vanslyperken  then  communicated  to  the  corporal 
that  he  had  been  knocked  down  the  hatchway  by  one  of 
the  men  when  he  went  forward ;  that  he  could  not  dis- 
tinguish who  it  was,  but  thought  that  it  must  have  been 
Jansen  from  his  size.  Corporal  Van  Spitter,  delighted  to 
find  that  his  skipper  was  on  a  wrong  scent,  expressed  his 
opinion  in  corroboration  of  the  lieutenant's :  after  which  a 
long  consultation  took  place  relative  to  mutiny,  disaffection, 
and  the  proper  measures  to  be  taken.  Vanslyperken  men- 
tioned the  consultation  of  the  men  during  the  first  watch, 
and  the  corporal,  to  win  his  favour,  was  very  glad  to  be 
able  to  communicate  the  particulars  of  what  he  had  over- 
heard, stating  that  he  had  concealed  himself  for  that 
purpose. 

*' And  where  did  you  conceal  yourself?"  said  Vansly- 
perken with  a  keen  inquiring  look :  for  it  immediately 
occurred  to  him  that,  unless  it  was  under  the  sail,  there 
could  be  no  concealment  for  such  a  huge  body  as  that  of 
the  corporal ;  and  he  had  his   misgivings.     But  the   cor- 


The  Dog  Fiend  ^3 

poral  very  adroitly  observed,  that  he  stood  at  the  lower 
step  of  the  fore-ladder,  with  his  head  level  with  the 
coamings  ;  and  had,  by  this  means,  overheard  the  con- 
versation unperceived,  and  had  only  walked  away  when  the 
party  broke  up.  This  restored  the  confidence  of  Mr 
Vanslyperken,  and  a  long  discussion  took  place,  in  which 
it  was  agreed  between  them,  that  the  only  way  to  prevent 
Snarleyyow  from  being  destroyed,  was  to  try  some  means 
to  make  away  quietly  with  poor  Smallbones.  But  this 
part  of  the  conversation  was  not  carried  to  any  length  :  for 
Mr  Vanslyperken,  indignant  at  having  received  such  injury 
in  his  face  from  his  ungrateful  cur,  did  not,  at  that  moment, 
feel  the  current  of  his  affection  run  so  strong  as  usual  in 
that  direction.  After  this,  the  corporal  touched  his  hat, 
swung  round  to  the  right  about  in  military  style,  and  left 
the  cabin. 


Chapter  VII 

In  which  Mr  Vanslyperken  goes  on  shore  to  woo  the  Widow  Vandersloosh. 

Three  weeks  of  comparative  calm  now  passed  away, 
during  which  Mr  Vanslyperken  recovered  of  his  wounds 
and  accident,  and  meditated  how  he  should  make  away 
with  Smallbones.  The  latter  also  recovered  of  his  bites, 
and  meditated  how  he  should  make  away  with  Snarleyyow. 
Smallbones  had  returned  to  his  avocations,  and  Vansly- 
perken, intending  mischief,  treated  him  more  kindly,  as  a 
blind.  Snarleyyow  also,  not  forgetting  his  defeat  on  the 
quarter-deck,  did  not  renew  his  attacks,  even  when  the 
poor  lad  helped  himself  to  biscuit. 

The  Tungfrau  anchored  in  the  Downs,  and  Mr 
Vanslyperken  received  despatches  for  the  Hague  ;  King 
William  having  written  some  letters  to  his  friends,  and 
sent  over  to  them  a  little  English  money,  which  he  knew 
would  be  acceptable ;  for  continental  kings  on  the  English 
throne  have  never  appeared  to  have  a  clear  sense  of  the 
s  c 


34  Snarleyyow ;  or, 

honour  conferred  upon  them.  England,  in  their  ideas, 
has  always  been  a  parvenue  kingdom ;  her  nobles  not  able 
to  trace  farther  back  than  the  Conquest ;  while,  in  their 
country,  the  lowest  baron  will  prove  his  sixteen  quarters, 
and  his  descent  from  the  darkest  ages.  But,  nevertheless, 
upon  the  same  principle  that  the  poor  aristocracy  will 
condescend  to  unite  themselves  occasionally  to  city 
wealth,  so  have  these  potentates  condescended  to  reign 
over  us. 

Mr  Vanslyperken  received  his  despatches,  and  made  the 
best  of  his  way  to  Amsterdam,  where  he  anchored, 
delivered  his  credentials,  and  there  waited  for  the  letters 
of  thanks  from  his  Majesty's  cousins. 

But  what  a  hurry  and  bustle  there  appears  to  be  on 
board  of  the  Yungfrau  —  Smallbones  here,  Smallbones 
there — Corporal  Van  Spitter  pushing  to  and  fro  with  the 
dog-trot  of  an  elephant ;  and  even  Snarleyyow  appears  to 
be  unusually  often  up  and  down  the  hatchway.  What 
can  it  all  be  about  ?  Oh !  Mr  Vanslyperken  is  going  on 
shore  to  pay  his  respects,  and  continue  his  addresses,  to 
the  widow  Vandersloosh.  His  boat  is  manned  alongside, 
and  he  now  appears  on  the  cutter's  quarter-deck. 

Is  it  possible  that  this  can  be  Mr  Vanslyperken  ? 
Heavens,  how  gay  !  An  uniform  certainly  does  wonders 
with  some  people  :  that  is  to  say,  those  who  do  not  look 
well  in  plain  clothes  are  invariably  improved  by  it ;  while 
those,  who  look  most  like  gentlemen  in  plain  clothes,  lose 
in  the  same  proportion.  At  all  events  Mr  Vanslyperken 
is  wonderfully  improved. 

He  has  a  loose  pair  of  blue  pantaloons,  with  boots 
rising  above  his  knees  pulled  over  them :  his  lower  parts 
remind  you  of  Charles  the  Twelfth.  He  has  a  long 
scarlet  waiscoat,  with  large  gilt  buttons  and  flap  pockets, 
and  his  uniform  coat  over  all,  of  blue  turned  up  with  red, 
has  a  very  commanding  appearance.  To  a  broad  black 
belt  over  his  shoulder  hangs  his  cutlass,  the  sheath  of 
which  is  mounted  with  silver,  and  the  hilt  of  ivory  and 
gold  threads  j  and,  above  all,  his    small  head   is   almost 


The  Dog  Fiend  ^^ 

dignified  by  being  surmounted  with  a  three-cornered 
turned-up  and  gold-banded  cocked  hat,  with  one  corner 
of  the  triangle  in  front  parallel  with  his  sharp  nose. 
Surely  the  widow  must  strike  her  colours  to  scarlet,  and 
blue,  and  gold.  But  although  women  are  said,  hke 
mackerel,  to  take  such  baits,  still  widows  are  not  fond 
of  a  man  who  is  as  thin  as  a  herring  :  they  are  too 
knowing,  they  prefer  stamina,  and  will  not  be  persuaded 
to  take  the  shadow  for  the  substance. 

Mr  Vanslyperken  was,  nevertheless,  very  well  pleased 
with  himself,  which  was  something,  but  still  not  quite 
enough  on  the  present  occasion ;  and  he  strutted  the  deck 
with  great  complacency,  gave  his  final  orders  to  Dick 
Short,  who,  as  usual,  gave  a  short  answer;  also  to 
Corporal  Van  Spitter,  who,  as  usual,  received  them  with 
all  military  honour ;  and,  lastly,  to  Smallbones,  who 
received  them  with  all  humility.  The  lieutenant  was 
about  to  step  into  the  boat,  when  a  doubt  arose,  and  he 
stopped  in  his  advance,  perplexed.  It  was  one  of  no 
small  importance — was  Snarleyyow  to  accompany  him  or 
not  ?  That  was  the  knotty  question,  and  it  really  was  a 
case  which  required  some  deliberation.  If  he  left  him  on 
board  after  the  conspiracy  which  had  been  formed  against 
him,  the  dog  would  probably  be  overboard  before  he 
returned  ;  that  is,  if  Smallbones  were  also  left  on  board  ; 
for  Mr  Vanslyperken  knew  that  it  had  been  decided  that 
Smallbones  alone  could  and  should  destroy  the  dog.  He 
could  not,  therefore,  leave  the  dog  on  board  with  safety ; 
and,  as  for  taking  him  on  shore  with  him,  in  that  there 
was  much  danger,  for  the  widow  Vandersloosh  had  set 
her  face  against  the  dog.  No  wonder :  he  had  behaved 
in  her  parlour  as  bad  as  the  dog  Crab  in  the  Two 
Gentlemen  of  Verona;  and  the  Frau  was  a  very  clean 
person,  and  had  no  fancy  for  dogs  comparing  their  legs 
with  those  of  her  polished  mahogany  chairs  and  tables. 
If  Mr  Vanslyperken's  suit  was  to  be  decided  according  to 
the  old  adage,  *'love  me,  love  my  dog,"  he  certainly  had 
but  a  poor  chance ;  for  the  widow  detested  the  cur,  and 


^6  Snarleyyow;  or, 

had  insisted  that  it  should  never  be  brought  into  her 
house.  Take  the  dog  on  shore,  therefore,  he  could  not ; 
but,  thought  Mr  Vanslyperken,  I  can  take  Smallbones  on 
shore,  that  will  do  as  well.  I  have  some  biscuit  to 
dispose  of,  and  he  shall  go  with  it  and  wait  till  I  come 
off  again.  Smallbones  was,  therefore,  ordered  to  put  on 
his  hat  and  step  into  the  boat  with  two  half  bags  of 
biscuit  to  carry  up  to  the  widow's  house,  for  she  did  a 
little  business  with  Mr  Vanslyperken,  as  well  as  allowing 
him  to  make  love  to  her ;  and  was  never  so  sweet  or  so 
gracious,  as  when  closing  a  bargain.  So  Mr  Vanslyperken 
waited  for  Smallbones,  who  was  soon  ready,  for  his  best 
consisted  only  in  a  pair  of  shoes  to  his  usually  naked 
feet,  and  a  hat  for  his  generally  uncovered  head.  And 
Mr  Vanslyperken,  and  Smallbones,  and  the  biscuit,  were 
in  the  boat,  when  Snarleyyow  intimated  his  intention  to 
join  the  party ;  but  this  was  refused,  and  the  boat  shoved 
off  without  him. 

As  soon  as  Mr  Vanslyperken  had  shoved  off,  Dick 
Short,  being  in  command,  thought  he  might  as  well  give 
himself  leave,  and  go  on  shore  also.  So  he  went  down, 
put  on  his  best,  and  ordered  the  other  boat  to  be  manned, 
and  leaving  Obadiah  Coble  on  board  as  the  next  officer, 
he  took  with  him  Jansen,  Jemmy  Ducks,  and  four  or 
five  others,  to  have  a  cruise.  Now,  as  Snarleyyow  had 
this  time  made  up  his  mind  that  he  would  go  on  shore, 
and  Short  was  willing  to  indulge  him,  for  he  knew  that 
Smallbones,  if  he  fell  in  with  him,  would  do  his  best  to 
launch  him  into  one  of  the  canals,  so  convenient  in  every 
street,  the  cur  was  permitted  to  get  into  the  boat,  and 
was  landed  with  the  rest  of  the  party,  who,  as  usual, 
repaired  to  the  Lust  Haus  of  the  widow  Vandersloosh  j 
where  we  must  leave  them  for  the  present,  and  return  to 
our  friend,  Mr  Vanslyperken. 


The  Dog  Fiend  yj 


Chapter  VIII 

In  which  the  Widow  lays  a  trap  for  Mr  Vanslyperken,  and  Smallbones 
lays  a  trap  for  Snarleyyow,  and  both  bag  their  game. 

The  widow  Vandersloosh,  as  we  have  informed  the 
reader,  was  the  owner  of  a  Lust  Haus,  or  pleasure-house 
for  sailors :  we  will  describe  that  portion  of  her  tenements 
more  particularly  by-and-bye :  at  present,  we  must  advert 
to  her  own  private  house,  which  stood  adjoining,  and  had 
a  communication  with  the  Lust  Haus  by  a  private  door 
through  the  party  wall.  This  was  a  very  small,  snug 
little  habitation,  with  one  window  in  each  front,  and  two 
stories  high  ;  containing  a  front  parlour  and  kitchen  on 
the  basement,  two  small  rooms  on  the  first,  and  two  on 
the  second  floor.  Nothing  could  be  better  arranged  for 
a  widow's  residence.  Moreover,  she  had  a  back-yard 
running  the  whole  length  of  the  wall  of  the  Lust  Haus 
in  the  rear,  with  convenient  offices,  and  a  back-door  into 
the  street  behind. 

Mr  Vanslyperken  had  arrived,  paid  his  humble  devoirs 
to  the  widow,  more  humble,  because  he  was  evidently 
pleased  with  his  own  person,  and  had  been  followed  by 
Smallbones,  who  laid  the  biscuit  by  the  scraper  at  the 
door,  watching  it  as  in  duty  bound.  The  lieutenant 
imagined  that  he  was  more  graciously  received  than  usual. 
Perhaps  he  was,  for  the  widow  had  not  had  so  much 
custom  lately,  and  was  glad  the  crew  of  the  cutter  were 
arrived  to  spend  their  money.  Already  had  Vanslyperken 
removed  his  sword  and  belt,  and  laid  them  with  his 
three-cornered  laced  hat  on  the  side-table  ;  he  was  already 
cosily,  as  of  wont,  seated  upon  the  widow's  little  fubsy 
sofa,  with  the  lady  by  his  side,  and  he  had  just  taken 
her  hand  and  was  about  to  renew  his  suit,  to  pour  forth 
the  impromptu  effusions  of  his  heart,  concocted  on  the 
quarter-deck  of  the  Tungfrau^  when  who  should  bolt 
into  the  parlour  but  the  unwelcome  Snarleyyow. 


38  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"  O  that  nasty  brute !  Mynheer  Vanslyperken,  how 
dare  you  bring  him  into  my  house  ? "  cried  the  widow, 
jumping  up  from  the  sofa,  with  her  full-moon-face  red 
with  anger. 

"  Indeed,  widow,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  "  I  left  him 
on  board,  knowing  that  you  were  not  fond  of  animals  5 
but  some  one  has  brought  him  on  shore.  However,  I'll 
find  out  who  it  was,  and  keel-haul  him  in  honour  of  your 
charms." 

"  I  am  fond  of  animals,  Mr  Vansl5^perken,  but  I  am  not 
fond  of  such  animals  as  that — such  a  filthy,  ugly,  disagree- 
able, snarling  brute  ;  nor  can  I  think  how  you  can  keep 
him  after  what  I  have  said  about  it.  It  don't  prove  much 
regard,  Mr  Vanslyperken,  when  such  a  dog  as  that  is  kept 
on  purpose  to  annoy  me." 

**I  assure  you,  widow " 

"Don't  assure  me,  Mr  Vanslyperken,  there's  no  occasion 
— your  dog  is  your  own — but  I'll  thank  you  to  take  him 
out  of  this  house;  and,  perhaps,  as  he  won't  go  without 
you,  you  had  better  go  with  him." 

Now  the  widow  had  never  spoken  so  indignantly  before : 
if  the  reader  wishes  to  know  why  she  did  so  now,  we  will 
acquaint  him ;  the  widow  Vandersloosh  had  perceived 
Smallbones,  who  sat  like  Patience  on  a  monument,  upon 
the  two  half  bags  of  biscuit  before  her  porch.  It  was  a 
query  to  the  widow  whether  they  were  to  be  a  present,  or 
an  article  to  be  bargained  for :  it  was  therefore  very  advis- 
able to  pick  a  quarrel,  that  the  matter  might  be  cleared  up. 
The  widow's  ruse  met  with  all  the  success  which  it 
deserved.  In  the  first  place,  Mr  Vanslyperken  did  what 
he  never  would  have  believed  himself  capable  of,  but  the 
wrath  of  the  widow  had  worked  him  also  up  to  wrath, 
and  he  saluted  Snarleyyow  with  such  a  kick  on  the  side,  as 
to  send  him  howHng  into  the  back-yard,  followed  him  out, 
and,  notwithstanding  an  attempt  at  defence  on  the  part  of 
the  dog,  which  the  lieutenant's  high  boots  rendered  harm- 
less, Snarleyyow  was  fairly  or  unfairly,  as  you  may  please 
to  think  it,  kicked  into  an  outhouse,  the  door  shut,  and 


The  Dog  Fiend  39 

the  key  turned  upon  him.  After  which  Mr  Vanslyperken 
returned  to  the  parlour,  where  he  found  the  widow,  erect, 
with  her  back  turned  to  the  stove,  blowing  and  bristling, 
her  bosom  heaving,  reminding  you  of  seas  mountains  high, 
as  if  she  were  still  under  the  effect  of  a  just  resentment 
for  the  affront  offered  to  her.  There  she  stood  waiting  in 
all  dignity  for  Mr  Vanslyperken  to  repair  the  injury  done, 
whether  unintentional  or  not.  In  few  words,  there  she 
waited,  for  the  biscuit  to  be  presented  to  her.  And  it  was 
presented,  for  Vanslyperken  knew  no  other  way  of  appeas- 
ing her  wrath.  Gradually  the  storm  was  allayed — the 
flush  of  anger  disappeared,  the  corners  of  the  scornfully- 
turned-down  mouth,  were  turned  up  again — Cupid's  bow 
was  no  longer  bent  in  anger,  and  the  widow's  bosom  slept 
as  when  the  ocean  sleeps,  like  **  an  un weaned  child." 
The  biscuit  bags  were  brought  in  by  Smallbones,  their 
contents  stored,  and  harmony  restored.  Once  more  was 
Mr  Vanslyperken  upon  the  little  sofa  by  the  side  of  the 
fat  widow,  and  once  more  did  he  take  her  melting  hand. 
Alas !  that  her  heart  was  not  made  of  the  same  soft 
materials. 

But  we  must  not  only  leave  Short  and  his  companions  in 
the  Lust  Haus,  but  the  widow  and  the  lieutenant  in  their 
soft  dalliance,  and  now  occupy  ourselves  with  the  two 
principal  personages  of  this  our  drama,  Smallbones  and 
Snarleyyow. 

When  Smallbones  had  retired,  with  the  empty  bread- 
bags  under  his  arm,  he  remained  some  time  reflecting  at 
the  porch,  and  then  having  apparently  made  up  his  mind, 
he  walked  to  a  chandler's  shop  just  over  the  bridge  of  the 
canal  opposite,  and  purchased  a  needle,  some  strong  twine, 
and  a  red-herring.  He  also  procured,  "without  purchase," 
as  they  say  in  our  War  Office  Gazettes,  a  few  pieces  of 
stick.  Having  obtained  all  these,  he  went  round  to  the 
door  of  the  yard  behind  the  widow's  house,  and  let  himself 
in.  Little  did  Mr  Vanslyperken  imagine  what  mischief 
was  brewing,  while  he  was  praising  and  drinking  the  beer 
of  the  widow's  own  brewing. 


40  Snarleyyow;  or, 

Smallbones  had  no  difficulty  in  finding  out  where 
Snarleyyow  was  confined,  for  the  dog  was  very  busy 
gnawing  his  way  through  the  door,  which,  however, 
was  a  work  of  time,  and  not  yet  a  quarter  accomplished. 
The  place  had  been  a  fowl-house,  and,  at  the  bottom  of 
the  door,  there  was  a  small  hatch  for  the  ingress  and 
egress  of  these  bipeds,  the  original  invention  of  some 
thrifty  spinster,  to  prevent  the  maids  from  stealing  eggs. 
But  this  hatch  was  closed,  or  Snarleyyow  would  have 
escaped  through  it.  Smallbones  took  up  his  quarters  in 
another  outhouse,  that  he  might  not  be  observed,  and 
commenced  his  operations. 

He  first  took  out  the  bottom  of  one  bread-bag,  and 
then  sewed  that  on  the  other  to  make  it  longer ;  he  then 
ran  a  string  through  the  mouth,  so  as  to  draw  it  close 
when  necessary,  and  cut  his  sticks  so  as  to  support  it 
and  keep  it  open.  All  this  being  arranged,  he  went  to 
where  Snarleyyow  was  busy  gnawing  wood  with  great 
pertinacity,  and  allowed  him  not  only  to  smell,  but  to 
tear  off  the  tail  of  the  red-herring,  under  the  door ;  and 
then  gradually  drew  the  herring  along  until  he  had 
brought  it  right  under  the  hatch  in  the  middle,  which 
left  it  at  the  precise  distance  that  the  dog  could  snufFit 
but  not  reach  it,  which  Snarleyyow  now  did,  in  preference 
to  gnawing  wood.  When  you  lay  a  trap,  much  depends 
upon  the  bait ;  Smallbones  knew  his  enemy's  partiality 
for  savoury  comestibles.  He  then  brought  out  his  bag, 
set  up  his  supporters,  fixed  it  close  to  the  hatch,  and  put 
the  red-herring  inside  of  it.  With  the  string  in  one 
hand,  he  lifted  up  the  hatch  with  the  other.  Snarleyyow 
rushed  out  and  rushed  in,  and  in  a  moment  the  strings 
were  drawn,  and  as  soon  as  drawn  were  tied  tight  round 
the  mouth  of  the  bag.  Snarleyyow  was  caught ;  he 
tumbled  over  and  over,  rolling  now  to  the  right  and  now 
to  the  left,  while  Smallbones  grinned  with  delight.  After 
amusing  himself  a  short  time  with  the  evolutions  of  his 
prisoner,  he  dragged  him  in  his  bag  into  the  outhouse 
where  he  had   made   his    trap,   shut   the  door,   and  left 


The  Dog  Fiend  41 

him.  The  next  object  was  to  remove  any  suspicion  on  the 
part  of  Mr  Vanslyperken ;  and  to  effect  this,  Smallbones 
tore  off  the  hatch,  and  broke  it  in  two  or  three  pieces,  bit 
parts  of  it  with  his  own  teeth,  and  laid  them  down  before 
the  door,  making  it  appear  as  if  the  dog  had  gnawed 
his  own  way  out.  The  reason  for  allowing  the  dog  still 
to  remain  in  prison,  was  that  Smallbones  dared  not 
attempt  anything  further  until  it  was  dark,  and  there 
was  yet  an  hour  or  more  to  wait  for  the  close  of  the 
day. 

Smallbones  had  but  just  finished  his  work  in  time ;  for  the 
widow  having  been  summoned  to  her  guests  in  the  Lust 
Haus,  had  left  Vanslyperken  alone,  and  the  lieutenant 
thought  this  a  good  opportunity  to  look  after  his  four- 
footed  favourite.  He  came  out  into  the  yard,  where  he 
found  Smallbones,  and  he  had  his  misgivings. 

*'  What  are  you  doing  here,  sir  ?  " 

"  Waiting  for  you,  sir,"  replied  Smallbones,  humbly. 

"And  the  dog?"  said  Vanslyperken,  observing  the 
strewed  fragments  of  the  door  hatch. 

"  He's  a-bitten  himself  out,  sir,  I  believe." 

"  And  where  is  he,  then  ?  " 

"  I  don't  know,  sir ,  I  suppose  he's  gone  down  to  the 
boat." 

Snarleyyow  hearing  his  master's  voice,  had  commenced 
a  whine,  and  Smallbones  trembled  ;  fortunately,  at  that 
moment,  the  widow's  ample  form  appeared  at  the  back- 
door of  the  house,  and  she  called  to  Mr  Vanslyperken. 
The  widow's  voice  drowned  the  whine  of  the  dog,  and 
his  master  did  not  hear  it.  At  the  summons,  Vansly- 
perken but  half  convinced,  but  not  daring  to  show  any 
interest  about  the  animal  in  the  presence  of  his  mistress, 
returned  to  the  parlour,  and  very  soon  the  dog  was 
forgotten. 

But  as  the  orgies  in  the  Lust  Haus  increased,  so  did  it 
become  more  necessary  for  the  widow  to  make  frequent 
visits  there ;  not  only  to  supply  her  customers,  but  to 
restrain  them  by  her  presence ;  and  as  the  evening  wore 


42  Snarleyyow;  or, 

away,  so  did  the  absences  of  the  widow  become  more 
frequent.  This  Vanslyperken  well  knew,  and  he  there- 
fore always  pressed  his  suit  in  the  afternoon,  and  as  soon 
as  it  was  dark  returned  on  board.  Smallbones,  who 
watched  at  the  back-door  the  movements  of  his  master, 
perceived  that  he  was  refixing  his  sword-belt  over  his 
shoulder,  and  he  knew  this  to  be  the  signal  for  departure. 
It  was  now  quite  dark,  he  therefore  hastened  to  the  out- 
house, and  dragged  out  Snarleyyow  in  the  bag,  swung 
him  over  his  shoulder,  and  walked  out  of  the  yard-door, 
proceeded  to  the  canal  in  front  of  the  widow's  house, 
looked  round  him,  could  perceive  nobody,  and  then 
dragged  the  bag  with  its  contents  into  the  stagnant 
water  below,  just  as  Mr  Vanslyperken,  who  had  bidden 
adieu  to  the  widow,  came  out  of  the  house.  There  was 
a  heavy  splash — and  silence.  Had  such  been  heard  on 
the  shores  of  the  Bosphorus  on  such  a  night,  it  would 
have  told  some  tale  of  unhappy  love  and  a  husband's 
vengeance ;  but,  at  Amsterdam,  it  was  nothing  more  than 
the  drowning  of  a  cur. 

"  Who's  there — is  it  Smallbones  ?  "  said  Mr  Vansly- 
perken. 

"  Yes,  sir,"  said  Smallbones,  with  alarm. 
"  What  was  that  noise  I  heard  ?  " 

"Noise,  sir?  Oh,  I  kicked  a  paving-stone  into  the 
canal." 

"  And  don't  you  know  there  is  heavy  fine  for  that,  you 
scoundrel  ?     And  pray  where  are  the  bread-bags  ? " 

"  The  bread-bags,  sir  ?  Oh,  Mr  Short  took  them  to  tie 
up  some  vegetables  in  them." 

"  Mr  Short !  O,  very  well.  Come  along,  sir,  and  no 
more  throwing  stones  into  the  canal  j  why  you  might  have 
killed  somebody — there  is  a  boat  down  there  now,  I  hear 
the  people  talking."  And  Mr  Vanslyperken  hastened  to 
his  boat,  which  was  waiting  for  him  ;  anxious  to  ascertain 
if  Snarleyyow,  as  he  fully  expected,  was  in  it.  But  to  his 
grief  and  disappointment  he  was  not  there,  and  Mr  Vansly- 
perken sat  in  the  stern  sheets,   in  no  pleasant  humour. 


The  Dog  Fiend  43 

thinking  whether  it  was  or  was  not  a  paving-stone  which 
Smallbones  had  thrown  into  the  canal,  and  resolving  that 
if  the  dog  did  not  appear,  Smallbones  should  be  keel-hauled. 
There  was,  however,  one  more  chance,  the  dog  might 
have  been  taken  on  board. 


Chapter    IX 

A  long  chapter,   in   which  there   is   lamentation,   singing,  bibbing,   and 

dancing. 

It  may  readily  be  supposed,  that  the  first  question  asked 
by  Mr  Vanslyperken,  on  his  gaining  the  quarter-deck,  was, 
if  Snarleyyow  were  on  board.  He  was  received  with  the 
military  salute  of  Corporal  Van  Spitter,  for  Obadiah  Coble, 
having  been  left  commanding  officer,  had  given  himself 
leave,  and,  with  a  few  men,  had  joined  Dick  Short  and  the 
first  party  at  the  Lust  Haus,  leaving  the  corporal  as  the 
next  senior  officer  in  charge.  The  answer  in  the  negative 
was  a  great  mortification  to  Mr  Vanslyperken,  and  he 
descended  to  his  cabin  in  no  very  good  humour,  and 
summoned  Smallbones.  But  before  Smallbones  was  sum- 
moned, he  had  time  to  whisper  to  one  or  two  of  the 
conspirators — "  He's  goneP  It  was  enough  ;  in  less  than  a 
minute  the  whisper  was  passed  throughout  the  cutter. 
"  He's  gone,"  was  sibilated  above  and  below,  until  it  met 
the  ears  of  even  Corporal  Van  Spitter,  who  had  it  from 
a  marine,  who  had  it  from  another  marine,  who  had  it  from 
a  seaman,  who — but  it  was,  however,  soon  traced  up  to 
Smallbones  by  the  indefatigable  corporal — who  considered 
it  his  duty  to  report  the  report  to  Mr  Vanslyperken. 
Accordingly  he  descended  to  the  cabin  and  knocked  for 
admission. 

In  the  meantime  Vanslyperken  had  been  venting  his 
ill-humour  upon  Smallbones,  having,  as  he  took  off  from 
his  person,  and  replaced  in  his  drawers,  his  unusual  finery, 
administered  an  unusual  quantity  of  kicks,  as  well  as  a 


44  Snarleyyow;  or, 

severe  blow  on  the  head  with  his  sheathed  cutlass  to  the 
unfortunate  lad,  who  repeated  to  himself,  by  way  of  con- 
solation, the  magic  words — "  He's  gone" 

"  If  you  please,  sir,"  said  Corporal  Van  Spitter,  **  I've 
discovered  from  the  ship's  company  that  the  dog  is  gone," 

"  I  know  that,  corporal,"  replied  Vanslyperken. 

**  And,  sir,  the  report  has  been  traced  to  Smallbones." 

"  Indeed  ! — then  it  was  you  that  said  that  the  dog  is 
gone — now,  you  villain,  where  is  he  ?  " 

"  If  you  please,  I  did  say  that  the  dog  was  gone,  and 
so  he  is  ;  but  I  didn't  say  that  I  knew  where  he  was — no 
more  I  don't.  He's  runned  away,  and  he'll  be  back  to- 
morrow— I'm  sure  he  will." 

"  Corporal  Van  Spitter,  if  the  dog  is  not  on  board  again 
by  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning,  you  will  get  all  ready 
for  keel-hauling  this  scoundrel." 

**  Yes,  mynheer,"  replied  the  corporal,  delighted  at 
having  something  to  do  in  the  way  of  punishment. 

Smallbones  made  up  a  lachrymal  face. 

"It's  very  hard,"  said  he  ;  "  suppose  the  dog  has  fallen 
into  the  canal,  is  that  my  fault  ?  If  he's  a-gone  to  the 
bottom  of  the  canal,  that's  no  reason  why  I'm  to  be 
dragged  under  the  bottom  of  the  cutter." 

"  Yes,  yes,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  "  I'll  teach  you  to 
throw  paving-stones  oif  the  wharf.     Leave  the  cabin,  sir." 

Smallbones,  whose  guilty  conscience  flew  into  his  pallid 
face  at  the  mention  of  the  paving-stones,  immediately  made 
a  hasty  retreat ;  and  Vanslyperken  turned  into  his  bed  and 
dreamt  of  vengeance. 

"We  must  now  return  to  the  Lust  Haus,  and  the  party 
on  shore  ;  and  our  first  task  must  be,  to  give  the  reader 
an  idea  of  what  a  Lust  Haus  may  be.  It  is,  as  its  name 
imports,  a  resort  for  pleasure  and  amusement ;  and  in  this 
respect  the  Dutch  are  certainly  very  much  in  advance  of 
the  English,  who  have,  in  the  pot-houses  and  low  inns 
resorted  to  by  seamen,  no  accommodation  of  the  kind. 
There  is  barely  room  for  Jack  to  foot  it  in  a  reel,  the 
tap-room  is  so  small  j   and  as  Jack  is   soon  reeling  after 


The  Dog  Fiend  45 

he  is  once  on  shore,  it  is  a  very  great  defect.  Now,  the 
Lust  Haus  is  a  room  as  large  as  an  assembly-room  in  a 
country-town,  well  lighted  up  with  lamps  and  chandeliers, 
well  warmed  with  stoves,  where  you  have  room  to  dance 
fifty  reels  at  once,  and  still  have  plenty  of  accommodation  at 
the  chairs  and  tables  ranged  round  on  each  side.  At  the 
end  of  the  room  is  a  raised  chair,  with  a  protecting  railing, 
on  which  the  musicians,  to  the  number  of  seven  or  eight, 
are  posted,  and  they  continue  during  the  evening  to  play 
when  requested.  The  people  of  the  Lust  Haus  furnish 
wine  and  spirits  of  every  description,  while  cakes,  nuts, 
walnuts,  oranges,  &c.,  are  supplied  from  the  baskets  of 
numerous  young  women  who  hand  them  round,  and  press 
their  customers  to  purchase.  Police  officers  superintend 
these  resorts  to  remove  those  who  are  violent,  and  interfere 
with  the  amusements  of  others.  On  the  whole,  it  is  a 
very  gay  scene,  and  is  resorted  to  by  seamen  of  all  nations, 
with  a  sprinkling  of  those  who  are  not  sailors,  but  who 
like  amusement,  and  there  are  plenty  of  females  who  are 
ready  to  dance  with  them,  and  to  share  their  beer  or  grog. 
Be  it  further  known,  that  there  is  a  great  deal  of  decorum 
in  a  Lust  Haus,  particularly  among  the  latter  sex;  and 
altogether  it  is  infinitely  more  rational  and  less  debasing, 
than  the  low  pot-houses  of  Portsmouth  or  Plymouth. 

Such  was  the  place  of  amusement  kept  by  the  Frau 
Vandersloosh,  and  in  this  large  room  had  been  seated,  for 
some  hours,  Dick  Short,  Coble,  Jansen,  Jemmy  Ducks, 
and  some  others  of  the  crew  of  his  Majesty's  cutter 
Tungfrau. 

The  room  was  now  full,  but  not  crowded,  it  was  too 
spacious  well  to  be  so.  Some  sixteen  couples  were 
dancing  a  quadrille  to  a  lively  tune  played  by  the  band, 
and  among  the  dancers  were  to  be  seen  old  women,  and 
children  of  ten  or  twelve :  for  it  was  not  considered  im- 
proper to  be  seen  dancing  at  this  humble  assembly,  and 
the  neighbours  frequently  came  in.  The  small  tables  and 
numerous  chairs  round  the  room  were  nearly  all  filled, 
beer  was  foaming  from  the  mouths  of  the  opened  bottles. 


46  Snarleyyow;  or, 

and  there  was  the  ringing  of  the  glasses  as  they  pledged 
each  other.  At  several  tables  were  assemblages  of  Dutch 
seamen,  who  smoked  with  all  the  phlegm  of  their  nation, 
as  they  gravely  looked  upon  the  dancers.  At  another 
were  to  be  seen  some  American  seamen,  scrupulously  neat 
in  their  attire,  and  with  an  air  distinguee,  from  the 
superiority  of  their  education,  and  all  of  them  quiet  and 
sober.  The  basket-women  flitted  about  displaying  their 
stores,  and  invited  every  one  to  purchase  fruit,  and 
particularly  hard-boiled  eggs,  which  they  had  brought  in 
at  this  hour,  when  those  who  dined  at  one  might  be 
expected  to  be  hungry.  Sailors'  wives  were  also  there, 
and  perhaps  some  who  could  not  produce  the  marriage 
certificates ;  but  as  these  were  not  asked  for  at  the  door, 
it  was  of  no  consequence.  About  the  centre  of  the  room, 
at  two  small  tables  joined  together,  were  to  be  seen  the 
party  from  the  Tungfrau :  some  were  drinking  beer,  some 
grog,  and  Jemmy  Ducks  was  perched  on  the  table,  with  his 
fiddle  as  usual  held  like  a  bass  viol.  He  was  known  by 
those  who  frequented  the  house  by  the  name  of  the 
Manikin,  and  was  a  universal  object  of  admiration  and 
good-will.  The  quadrille  was  ended,  and  the  music 
stopped  playing. 

*'  Come  now,"  said  Coble,  tossing  off  his  glass,  "  spell 
oh ! — let's  have  a  song  while  they  take  their  breath. 
Jemmy,  strike  up." 

"  Hurrah  for  a  song  i  "  cries  Jemmy.     "  Here  goes." 
Jemmy  then  tuned  one  string  of  his  fiddle,  which  was  a 
little  out,  and  accompanying  his  voice,  sang  as  follows  : 
all  those  who  were  present  immediately  keeping  silence, 
for  they  were  used  to  Jemmy's  melody. 

Twas  on  the  twenty-fourth  of  June,  I  sailed  away  to  sea, 

I  turned  my  pockets  in  the  lap  of  Susan  on  my  knee ; 

Says  I,  my  dear,  'tis  all  I  have,  I  wish  that  it  was  more, 

It  can't  be  helped,  says  Susan  then,  you  know  we've  spent  galore. 

You  know  we've  spent  galore,  my  Bill, 

And  merry  have  been  we. 
Again  you  must  your  pockets  fill. 

For  Susan  on  your  knee. 


The  Dog  Fiend  47 

**  Chorus,  my  boys — " 

For  Susan  on  my  knee,  my  boys, 
With  Susan  on  my  knee. 

The  gale  came  on  in  thunder,  lads,  in  lightning,  and  in  foam, 
Before  that  we  had  sail'd  away  three  hundred  miles  from  home ; 
And  on  the  Sunday  morning,  lads,  the  coast  was  on  our  lee, 
Oh,  then  I  thought  of  Portsmouth,  and  of  Susan  on  my  knee. 

For  howling  winds  and  waves  to  boot, 

With  black  rocks  on  the  lee, 
Did  not  so  well  my  fancy  suit. 

As  Susan  on  my  knee. 

Chorus. — With  Susan  on  my  knee,  my  boys. 
With  Susan  on  my  knee. 

Next  morning  we  were  cast  away  upon  the  Frenchman's  shore, 
We  saved  our  lives,  but  not  our  all,  for  we  could  save  no  more ; 
They  marched  us  to  a  prison,  so  we  lost  our  liberty, 
I  peeped  between  the  bars,  and  sighed  for  Susan  on  my  knee. 

For  bread  so  black,  and  wine  so  sour. 

And  a  sou  a-day  to  me. 
Made  me  long  ten  times  an  hour, 

For  Susan  on  my  knee. 

Chorus, — For  Susan  on  my  knee,  my  boys, 
For  Susan  on  my  knee. 

One  night  we  smashed  our  jailer's  skull,  and  off  our  boat  did  steer. 
And  in  the  offing  were  picked  up  by  a  jolly  privateer ; 
We  sailed  in  her  the  cruise,  my  boys,  and  prizes  did  take  we, 
I'll  be  at  Portsmouth  soon,  thinks  I,  with  Susan  on  my  knee. 

We  shared  three  hundred  pounds  a  man, 

I  made  all  sail  with  glee, 
Again  I  danced  and  tossed  my  can, 

With  Susan  on  my  knee. 

Chorus. — With  Susan  on  my  knee,  my  boys. 
With  Susan  on  my  knee. 

"  That's  prime,  Jemmy.     Now,  my  boys,  all  together," 
cried  Obadiah  Coble. 


48  Snarleyyow;  or, 

Chorus. — ^Very  good  song,  and  very  well  sung, 
Jolly  companions  every  one  ; 
We  are  all  here  for  mirth  and  glee, 
We  are  all  here  for  jollity. 
Very  good  song,  and  very  well  sung. 
Jolly  companions  every  one  ; 
Put  your  hats  on  to  keep  your  heads  warm, 
A  little  more  grog  will  do  us  no  harm. 

"  Hurrah  !  now,  Bill  Spurey,  suppose  you  tip  us  a  stave. 
But  I  say,  Babette,  you  Dutch-built  galliot,  tell  old  Frank 
Slush  to  send  us  another  dose  of  the  stuff;  and  d'ye  hear, 
a  short  pipe  for  me,  and  a  paper  o'  baccy." 

The  short,  fat  Babette,  whose  proportions  all  the 
exercise  of  waiting  upon  the  customers  could  not  reduce, 
knew  quite  enough  English  to  require  no  further  explana- 
tion. 

"  Come,  Jemmy,  my  hearty,  take  your  fingers  off  your 
fiddle,  and  hand  in  your  pot,"  continued  Coble;  "and 
then  if  they  are  not  going  to  dance,  we'll  have  another 
song.  Bill  Spurey,  wet  your  whistle,  and  just  clear  the 
cobwebs  out  of  your  throat.     Here's  more  'baccy.  Short." 

Short  made  no  reply,  but  he  shook  out  the  ashes  and 
filled  his  pipe.  The  music  did  not  strike  up  again,  so  Bill 
Spurey  sang  as  follows  : — 

Says  the  parson  one  day,  as  I  cursed  a  Jew, 

Do  you  know,  my  lad,  that  we  call  it  a  sin  ? 
I  fear  of  you  sailors  there  are  but  few, 

St  Peter,  to  heaven,  will  ever  let  in. 
Says  I,  Mr  Parson,  to  tell  you  my  mind. 

No  sailors  to  knock  were  ever  yet  seen, 
Those  who  travel  by  land  may  steer  'gainst  wind, 

But  we  shape  a  course  for  Fidler's  Green. 

For  Fidler's  Green,  where  seamen  true, 

When  here  they've  done  their  duty, 
The  bowl  of  grog  shall  still  renew 

And  pledge  to  love  and  beauty. 

Says  the  parson,  I  hear  you've  married  three  wives, 
Now  do  you  not  know,  that  that  is  a  sin  ? 

You  sailors,  you  lead  such  very  bad  lives, 
St  Peter,  to  heaven,  will  ne'er  let  you  in, 


The  Dog  Fiend  49 

Parson,  says  I,  in  each  port  I've  but  one, 

And  never  had  more,  wherever  I've  been  ; 
Belovv^  I'm  obliged  to  be  chaste  as  a  nun, 

But  I'm  promised  a  dozen  at  Fidler's  Green. 

At  Fidler's  Green,  where  seamen  true, 

When  here  they've  done  their  duty, 
The  bowl  of  grog  shall  still  renew, 

And  pledge  to  love  and  beauty. 

Says  the  parson,  says  he,  you're  drunk,  my  man, 

And  do  you  not  know  that  that  is  a  sin  ? 
If  you  sailors  will  ever  be  swigging  your  can, 

To  heaven  you  surely  will  never  get  in. 
(^Hiccup.)  Parson,  you  may  as  well  be  mum, 

'Tis  only  on  shore  I'm  this  way  seen ; 
But  oceans  of  punch,  and  rivers  of  rum. 

Await  the  sailor  at  Fidler's  Green. 

At  Fidler's  Green,  where  seamen  true, 

When  here  they've  done  their  duty, 
The  bowl  of  grog  shall  still  renew, 

And  pledge  to  love  and  beauty. 

**  Well  reeled  off,  Billy,"  cried  Jemmy  Ducks,  finishing 
with  a  flourish  on  his  fiddle,  and  a  refrain  of  the  air.  I 
don't  think  we  shall  meet  him  and  his  dog  at  Fidler's  Green 
— heh  ! " 

"  No,"  replied  Short,  taking  his  pipe  from  his  lip. 

"  No,  no.  Jemmy,  a  seaman  true  means  one  true  in  heart 
as  well  as  in  knowledge ;  but,  like  a  blind  fiddler,  he'll  be 
led  by  his  dog  somewhere  else." 

**  From  vere  de  dog  did  come  from,"  observed  Jansen. 

The  band  now  struck  up  again,  and  played  a  waltz — a 
dance  new  to  our  country,  but  older  than  the  heptarchy. 
Jansen,  with  his  pipe  in  his  mouth,  took  one  of  the  women 
by  the  waist,  and  steered  round  the  room  about  as  leisurely 
as  a  capstern  heaving  up.  Dick  Short  also  took  another, 
made  four  turns,  reeled  up  against  a  Dutchman  who  was 
doing  it  with  sangfroid,  and  then  suddenly  left  his  partner 
and  dropped  into  his  chair. 

**  I  say.  Jemmy,"  said  Obadiah  Coble,  "  why  don't  you 
give  a  girl  a  twist  round  } " 
s  D 


50  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"  Because  I  can't,  Oby  ;  my  compasses  arn't  long  enough 
to  describe  a  circle.  You  and  I  are  better  here,  old  boy- 
I,  because  Fve  very  little  legs,  and  you,  because  you 
havn't  a  leg  to  stand  upon." 

"Very  true — not  quite  so  young  as  I  was  forty  years 
ago.  Howsomever  I  mean  this  to  be  my  last  vessel.  I 
shall  bear  up  for  one  of  the  London  dock-yards  as  a  rigger." 

"  Yes,  that'll  do ;  only  keep  clear  of  the  girt-lines, 
you're  too  stiff  for  that." 

**  No,  that  would  not  exactly  tell ;  I  shall  pick  my  own 
work,  and  that's  where  I  can  bring  my  tarry  trousers  to  an 
anchor — mousing  the  mainstay,  or  puddening  the  anchor, 
with  th^  best  of  any.     Dick,  lend  us  a  bit  of  'baccy." 

Short  pulled  out  his  box  without  saying  a  word.  Coble 
took  a  quid,  and  Short  thrust  the  box  again  into  his 
pocket. 

In  the  meantime  the  waltz  continued,  and  being  a 
favourite  dance,  there  were  about  fifty  couples  going  round 
and  round  the  room.  Such  was  the  variety  in  the  dress, 
country,  language,  and  appearance  of  the  parties  collected, 
that  you  might  have  imagined  it  a  masquerade.  It  was, 
however,  getting  late,  and  Frau  Vandersloosh  had  received 
the  intimation  of  the  people  of  the  police  who  super- 
intend these  resorts,  that  it  was  the  time  for  shutting  up ; 
so  that,  although  the  widow  was  sorry  on  her  own 
account  to  disperse  so  m.erry  and  so  thirsty  a  party  as  they 
were  now  becoming,  so  soon  as  the  waltz  was  ended  the 
musicians  packed  up  their  instruments  and  departed. 

This  was  a  signal  for  many,  but  by  no  means  for  all,  to 
depart ;  for  music  being  over,  and  the  house  doors  closed, 
a  few  who  remained,  provided  they  made  no  disturbance, 
were  not  interfered  with  by  the  police.  Among  those  who 
stayed  were  the  party  from  the  TungfraUy  one  or  two 
American,  and  some  Prussian  sailors.  Having  closed  up 
together, 

"  Come,"  cried  Jemmy,  **  now  that  we  are  quiet  again, 
let's  have  another  song ;  and  who  is  it  to  be — Dick 
Short?" 


The  Dog  Fiend  51 

**  Short,  my  boy,  come,  you  must  sing." 

''  No,"  replied  Short. 

"  Yes,  yes — one  verse,"  said  Spurey. 

*'  He  never  sings  more,"  replied  Jemmy  Ducks,  "  so  he 
must  give  us  that.     Come,  Short." 

"  Yes,"  replied  Short,  taking  the  pipe  out  of  his  mouth, 
and  wetting  his  lips  with  the  grog. 

S'lort  stay  apeak  was  the  anchor, 

We  had  but  a  short  minute  more, 
In  short,  I  no  longer  could  hanker, 

For  short  was  the  cash  in  my  store. 
I  gave  one  short  look, 

As  Poll  heaved  a  short  sigh 
One  short  hug  I  took, 

Short  the  matter  cut  I, 
And  off  I  went  to  sea. 

*'  Go  on,  Dick." 

"  No,"  replied  Short,  resuming  his  pipe» 

"  Well,  then,  chorus,  my  boys." 

Very  good  song,  and  very  well  sung, 

Jolly  companions  every  one ; 

We  all  are  here  for  mirth  and  glee, 

We  all  are  here  for  jollity. 

Very  good  song,  and  very  well  sung, 

Jolly  companions  every  one  ; 

Put  your  hats  on,  and  keep  your  heads  warm, 

A  little  more  liquor  will  do  us  no  harm. 

"  Now  then,  Jemmy  Ducks,  it's  round  to  you  again. 
Strike  up,  fiddle  and  all." 

"  Well,  here  goes,"  said  Jemmy  Ducks. 

The  captain  stood  on  the  carronade — first  lieutenant,  says  he. 
Send  all  my  merry  men  aft  here,  for  they  must  list  to  me : 
I  havn't  the  gift  of  the  gab,  my  sons — because  I'm  bred  to  the  sea, 
That  ship  there  is  a  Frenchman,  who  means  to  fight  with  we. 
Odds  blood,  hammer  and  tongs,  long  as  I've  been  to  sea, 
I've  fought  'gainst  every  odds — but  I've  gained  the  victory. 

That  ship  there  is  a  Frenchman,  and  if  we  don't  take  she, 
'Tis  a  thousand  bullets  to  one,  that  she  will  capture  zve  ; 


52  Snarleyyow;  or, 

I  havn't  the  gift  of  the  gab,  my  boys,  so  each  man  to  his  gun> 
If  she's  not  mine  in  half  an  hour,  I'll  flog  each  mother's  son. 
Odds  bobs,  hammer  and  tongs,  long  as  I've  been  to  sea, 
I've  fought  'gainst  every  odds — and  I've  gained  the  victory. 

We  fought  for  twenty  minutes,  when  the  Frenchman  had  enough, 
I  little  thought,  said  he,  that  your  men  were  of  such  stuff; 
The  captain  took  the  Frenchman's  sword,  a  low  bow  made  to  he, 
I  havn't  the  gift  of  the  gab,  Mounsieur,  but  polite  I  wish  to  be. 
Odds  bobs,  hammer  and  tongs,  long  as  I've  been  to  sea, 
I've  fought  'gainst  every  odds — and  I've  gained  the  victory. 

Our  captain  sent  for  all  of  us  ;  my  merry  men,  said  he, 
I  havn't  the  gift  of  the  gab,  my  lads,  but  yet  I  thankful  be  ; 
You've  done  your  duty  handsomely,  each  man  stood  to  his  gun, 
If  you  hadn't,  you  villains,  as  sure  as  day,  I'd  have  flogged  each  mother's  soil. 
Odds  bobs,  hammer  and  tongs,  as  long  as  I'm  at  sea, 
I'll  fight  'gainst  every  odds — and  I'll  gain  the  victory. 

Chorus. — Very  good  song,  and  very  well  sung, 
Jolly  companions  every  one  ; 
We  all  are  here  for  mirth  and  glee, 
We  all  are  here  for  joUity. 
Very  good  song,  and  very  well  sung, 
Jolly  companions  every  one  ; 
Put  your  hats  on  to  keep  your  heads  warm, 
A  little  more  grog  will  do  us  no  harm. 

**  Now,  Coble,  we  must  have  yours,"  said  Jemmy  Ducks. 

"  Mine  !  well,  if  you  please :  but  half  my  notes  are 
stranded.  You'll  think  that  Snarleyyow  is  baying  the 
moon :  howsomever,  take  it  as  it  is." 

Oh,  what's  the  use  of  piping,  boys,  I  never  yet  could  larn, 
The  good  of  water  from  the  eyes  I  never  could  disarn ; 
Salt  water  we  have  sure  enough  without  our  pumping  more, 
So  let  us  leave  all  crying  to  the  girls  we  leave  on  shore. 

They  may  pump, 

As  in  we  jump 
To  the  boat,  and  say,  "  Good-bye ; " 

But  as  for  men. 

Why,  I  say  again. 
That  crying's  all  my  eye. 

I  went  to  school  when  quite  a  boy,  and  never  larnt  to  read, 
The  master  tried  both  head  and  tail — at  last  it  was  agreed 
No  laming  he  could  force  in  me,  so  they  sent  me  off  to  sea. 
My  mother  wept  and  wrung  her  hands,  and  cried  most  bitterly^ 


The  Dog  Fiend  ^^ 

So  she  did  pump, 

As  I  did  jump 
In  the  boat,  and  said,  "Good-bye;  " 

But  as  for  me, 

Who  was  sent  to  sea, 
To  cry  was  all  my  eye. 

I  courted  Poll,  a  buxom  lass  ;  when  I  returned  A  B, 
I  bought  her  ear-rings,  hat,  and  shawl,  a  sixpence  did  break  we ; 
At  last  'twas  time  to  be  on  board,  so,  Poll,  says  I,  farewell ; 
She  roared  and  said,  that  leaving  her  was  like  a  funeral  knell. 

So  she  did  pump, 

As  I  did  jump 
In  the  boat,  and  said,  "  Good-bye ; " 

But  as  for  me 

With  the  rate  A  B, 
To  cry  was  all  my  eye. 

I  soon  went  back,  I  shoved  on  shore,  and  Polly  I  did  meet, 
For  she  was  watching  on  the  shore,  her  sweetheart  for  to  greet, 
She  threw  her  arms  around  me  then,  and  much  to  my  surprise, 
She  vowed  she  was  so  happy  that  she  pumped  with  both  her  eyes. 

So  she  did  pump, 

As  I  did  jump 
To  kiss  her  lovingly, 

But,  I  say  again, 

That  as  for  men, 
Crying  is  all  my  eye. 

Then  push  the  can  around,  my  boys,  and  let  us  merry  be  ; 

We'll  rig  the  pumps  if  a  leak  we  spring,  and  work  most  merrily: 

Salt  water  we  have  sure  enough,  we'll  add  not  to  its  store. 

But  drink,  and  laugh,  and  sing  and  chat,  and  call  again  for  more. 

The  girls  may  pump. 

As  in  we  jump 
To  the  boat,  and  say,  "  Good-bye ; " 

But  as  for  we. 

Who  sailors  be. 
Crying  is  all  my  eye. 

**  Bravo,  Obadiah  !  now  one  more  song,  and  then  we'll 
aboard.  It  won't  do  to  bowse  your  jib  up  too  tight  here," 
said  Jemmy  •,  **  for  it's  rather  dangerous  navigation  among 
ail  these  canals — no  room  for  yawing." 

"  No,"  replied  Dick  Short. 

"Then,"  said  Jemmy,  jumping  off  the  table  with  his 


54  Snarleyyow ;  or, 

fiddle  in  his  hand,  "let's  have  the  roarer  by  way  of  a 
finish — what  d'ye  say,  my  hearties  ? " 

Up  they  all  rose,  and  gathered  together  in  the  centre  of 
the  room,  save  Jemmy  Ducks,  who,  flourishing  with  his 
fiddle,  commenced. 

Jack's  alive  and  a  merry  dog, 

When  he  gets  on  shore, 
He  calls  for  his  glass  of  grog, 

He  drinks,  and  he  calls  for  more. 
So  drink,  and  call  for  what  you  please, 

Until  you've  had  your  whack,  boys  ; 
We  think  no  more  of  raging  seas, 

Now  that  we've  come  back,  boys. 

"  Chorus,  now — " 

With  a  ivhip,  snip,  high  cum  diddledy, 

The  cog-wheels  of  life  have  need  of  much  oiling  ; 

Smack,  crack — this  is  our  jubilee  : 

Huzza,  my  lads !  we'll  keep  the  pot  boiling. 

All  the  seamen  joined  in  the  chorus,  which  they  accom- 
panied both  with  their  hands  and  feet,  snapping  their 
fingers  at  ivhip  and  snipy  and  smacking  their  hands  at  smack 
and  cracky  while  they  danced  round  in  the  most  grotesque 
manner,  to  Jemmy's  fiddle  and  voice ;  the  chorus  ended  in 
loud  laughter,  for  they  had  now  proved  the  words  of  the 
song  to  be  true,  and  were  all  alive  and  merry.  According 
to  the  rules  of  the  song,  Jemmy  now  called  out  for  the 
next  singer.  Coble. 

Jack's  alive  and  merry,  my  boys. 

When  he's  on  blue  water, 
In  the  battle's  rage  and  noise. 

And  the  main-deck  slaughter. 
So  drink  and  call  for  what  you  please, 

Until  you've  had  your  whack,  boys  ; 
We'll  think  no  more  of  angry  seas, 

Until  that  we  go  back,  boys. 

CJterus, — With  a  ivhip,  snip,  high  cum  diddledy, 

The  cog-wheels  of  life  have  need  of  much  oiling ; 
Smack,  crack — this  is  our  jubilee  ; 

Huzza  my  lads !  we'll  keep  the  pot  boiling. 


The  Dog  Fiend  ^^ 

Jansen  and  Jemmy  Ducks,  after  the  dancing  chorus  had 
finished, 

Yack  alive  and  merry,  my  boys, 

Ven  he  get  him  frau, 
And  he  vid  her  ringlet  toys, 

As  he  take  her  paw. 
So  drink,  and  call  for  vat  you  please. 

Until  you  hab  your  vack,  boys ; 
Ve'll  think  no  more  of  angry  seas, 

Till  ve  standen  back,  boys. 

Chorus  and  laughter. 

With  a  zuhif,  snip,  high  cum  diddledy, 

The  cog-wheels  of  life  have  need  of  much  oiling ; 

Smack,  crack — this  is  our  jubilee ; 

Huzza,  my  lads,  we'll  keep  the  pot  boiling. 

Bill  Spurey — 

Jack's  alive  and  merry,  boys, 

When  he's  got  the  shiners  ; 
Heh !  for  rattle,  fun,  and  noise, 

Hang  all  grumbling  whiners. 
Then  drink,  and  call  for  what  you  please, 

Until  you've  had  your  whack,  boys ; 
We  think  no  more  of  raging  seas, 

Now  that  we've  come  back,  boys. 

Chorus. — With  a  ivhip,  snip,  high  cum  diddledy. 

The  cog-wheels  of  life  have  need  of  much  oiling ; 
Smack,  crack — this  is  our  jubilee ; 

Huzza,  my  lads !  we'll  keep  the  pot  boiling. 

*'Dick  Short  must  sing." 
"  Yes,"  replied  Dick. 

Jack's  alive  and  full  of  fun, 

When  his  hulk  is  crazy, 
As  he  basks  in  Greenwich  sun. 

Jolly  still  though  lazy. 
So  drink,  and  call  for  what  you  please, 

Until  you've  had  your  whack,  boys  ; 
We'll  think  no  more  of  raging  seas. 

Now  that  we've  come  back,  boys. 

Chorus. — With  a  zvhip,  snip,  high  cum  diddledy. 

The  cog-wheels  of  life  have  need  of  much  oiling ; 
Smack,  crack — this  is  our  jubilee  ; 

Huzza,  my  lads !  we'll  keep  the  pot  boiling. 


^6  Snarleyyow;  or, 

As  this  was  the  last  chorus,  it  was  repeated  three  or 
four  times,  and  with  hallooing,  screaming,  and  dancing  in 
mad  gesticulation. 

"  Hurrah,  my  lads,'*  cried  Jemmy,  "  three  cheers  and  a 
bravo." 

It  was  high  time  that  they  went  on  board ;  so  thought 
Frau  Vandersloosh,  who  trembled  for  her  chandeliers ;  so 
thought  Babette,  who  had  begun  to  yawn  before  the  last 
song,  and  who  had  tired  herself  more  with  laughing  at  it ; 
so  thought  they  all,  and  they  sallied  forth  out  of  the  Lust 
Haus,  with  Jemmy  Ducks  having  the  advance,  and  fiddling 
to  them  the  whole  way  down  to  the  boat.  Fortunately, 
not  one  of  them  fell  into  the  canal,  and  in  ten  minutes  they 
were  all  on  board  5  they  were  not,  however,  permitted  to 
turn  into  their  hammocks  without  the  important  infor- 
mation being  imparted  to  them,  that  Snarleyyow  had 
disappeared. 


Chapter  X 

In  which  is  explained  the  sublime  mystery  of  keel-hauling — Snarleyyow 
saves  Smallbones  from  being  drowned,  although  Smallbones  would  have 
drowned  him. 

It  is  a  dark  morning  j  the  wind  is  fresh  from  the  north- 
west ;  flakes  of  snow  are  seen  wafting  here  and  there  by 
the  wind,  the  avant-couriers  of  a  heavy  fall;  the  whole 
sky  is  of  one  murky  grey,  and  the  sun  is  hidden  behind  a 
dense  bank.  The  deck  of  the  cutter  is  wet  and  slippery, 
and  Dick  Short  has  the  morning  watch.  He  is  wrapt  up 
in  a  Flushing  pea-jacket,  with  thick  mittens  on  his  hands  ; 
he  looks  about  him,  and  now  and  then  a  fragment  of  snow 
whirls  into  his  eye  •,  he  winks  it  out,  it  melts  and  runs 
like  a  tear  down  his  cheek.  If  it  were  not  that  it  is 
contrary  to  man-of-war  custom  he  would  warm  himself 
with  the  douhle-shiiffle,  but  such  a  step  would  be  unheard  of 
on  the  quarter-deck  of  even  the  cutter  Tungfrau, 


The  Dog  Fiend  S7 

The  trapaulin  over  the  hatchway  is  pushed  on  one  side, 
and  the  space  between  the  coamings  is  filled  with  the 
bull  head  and  broad  shoulders  of  Corporal  Van  Spitter, 
who,  at  last,  gains  the  deck ;  he  looks  round  him  and 
apparently  is  not  much  pleased  with  the  weather.  Before 
he  proceeds  to  business,  he  examines  the  sleeves  and 
front  of  his  jacket,  and  having  brushed  off  with  the  palm 
of  his  hand  a  variety  of  blanket-hairs,  adhering  to  the 
cloth,  he  is  satisfied,  and  now  turns  to  the  right  and  to 
the  left,  and  forward  and  aft — in  less  than  a  minute  he 
goes  right  round  the  compass.  What  can  Corporal  Van 
Spitter  want  at  so  early  an  hour  ?  He  has  not  come  up 
on  deck  for  nothing,  and  yet  he  appears  to  be  strangely 
puzzled  :  the  fact  is,  by  the  arrangements  of  last  night, 
it  was  decided,  that  this  morning,  if  Snarleyyow  did  not 
make  his  appearance  in  the  boat  sent  on  shore  for  fresh 
beef  for  the  ship's  company,  the  unfortunate  Smallbones 
was  to  be  keel-hauled. 

What  a  delightful  morning  for  a  keel-hauling ! 

This  ingenious  process,  which,  however,  like  many 
other  good  old  customs,  has  fallen  into  disuse,  must  be 
explained  to  the  non-nautical  reader.  It  is  nothing  more 
nor  less  than  sending  a  poor  navigator  on  a  voyage  of 
discovery  under  the  bottom  of  the  vessel,  lowering  him* 
down  over  the  bows,  and  with  ropes  detaining  him  exactly 
in  his  position  under  the  kelson,  while  he  is  drawn  aft 
by  a  hauling  line  until  he  makes  his  appearance  at  the 
rudder-chains,  generally  speaking  quite  out  of  breath, 
not  at  the  rapidity  of  his  motion,  but  because,  when  so 
long  under  the  water,  he  has  expended  all  the  breath 
in  his  body,  and  is  induced  to  take  in  salt  water  en  lieu. 
There  is  much  merit  in  this  invention  ;  people  are  very 
apt  to  be  content  with  walking  the  deck  of  a  man-of-war, 

*  The  author  has  here  explained  keel-hauling  as  practised  in  those  times 
in  small  fore  and  aft  vessels.  In  large  and  square-rigged  vessels,  the  man 
was  hauled  up  to  one  main-yard  arm,  and  dropped  into  the  sea,  and  hauled 
under  the  bottom  of  the  vessel  to  the  other  ;  but  this  in  small  fore  and 
aft  vessels  was  not  so  easily  effected,  nor  was  it  considered  sufficient  punish- 
ment. 


58  Snarleyyow;  or, 

and  complain  of  it  as  a  hardship,  but  when  once  they 
have  learnt,  by  experience,  the  difference  between  being 
comfortable  above  board,  and  the  number  of  deprivations 
which  they  have  to  submit  to  when  under  board  and 
overboard  at  the  same  time,  they  find  that  there  are  worse 
situations  than  being  on  the  deck  of  a  vessel — we  say 
privations  when  under  board,  for  they  really  are  very 
important :  —  you  are  deprived  of  the  air  to  breathe, 
which  is  not  borne  with  patience  even  by  a  philosopher, 
and  you  are  obliged  to  drink  salt  water  instead  of  fresh. 
In  the  days  of  keel-hauling,  the  bottoms  of  vessels  were 
not  coppered,  and  in  consequence  were  well  studded 
with  a  species  of  shell-fish  which  attached  themselves, 
called  barnacles,  and  as  these  shells  were  all  open- 
mouthed  and  with  sharp  cutting  points,  those  who  under- 
went this  punishment  (for  they  were  made  by  the  ropes 
at  each  side,  fastened  to  their  arms,  to  hug  the  kelson 
of  the  vessel)  were  cut  and  scored  all  over  their  body, 
as  if  with  so  many  lancets,  generally  coming  up  bleeding 
in  every  part,  and  with  their  faces,  especially  their  noses, 
as  if  they  had  been  gnawed  by  the  rats  ;  but  this  was 
considered  rather  advantageous  than  otherwise,  as  the  loss 
of  blood  restored  the  patient  if  he  was  not  quite  drowned, 
and  the  consequence  was,  that  one  out  of  three,  it  is  said, 
have  been  known  to  recover  after  their  submarine  ex- 
cursion. The  Dutch  have  the  credit,  and  we  will  not 
attempt  to  take  from  them  their  undoubted  right,  of 
having  invented  this  very  agreeable  description  of  punish- 
ment. They  are  considered  a  heavy,  phlegmatic  sort  of 
people,  but  on  every  point  in  which  the  art  of  ingeniously 
tormenting  is  in  request,  it  must  be  admitted  that  they 
have  taken  the  lead  of  much  more  vivacious  and  other- 
wise more  inventive  nations. 

And  now  the  reader  will  perceive  why  Corporal  Van 
Spitter  was  in  a  dilemma.  With  all  the  good-will  in  the 
world,  with  every  anxiety  to  fulfil  his  duty,  and  to  obey 
his  superior  officer,  he  was  not  a  seaman,  and  did  not 
know  how  to  commence  operations.     He  knew  nothing 


The  Dog  Fiend  59 

about  foddering  a  vessel's  bottom,  much  less  how  to 
fodder  it  with  the  carcass  of  one  of  his  fellow-creatures. 
The  corporal,  as  we  said  before,  turned  round  and  round 
the  compass  to  ascertain  if  he  could  compass  his  wishes ; 
at  last,  he  commenced  by  dragging  one-rope's  end  from 
one  side  and  another  from  the  other  ;  those  would  do 
for  the  side  ropes,  but  he  wanted  a  long  one  from  for- 
ward and  another  from  aft,  and  how  to  get  the  one  from 
aft  under  the  cutter's  bottom  was  a  puzzle  ;  and  then  there 
was  the  mast  and  the  rigging  in  his  way  j — the  corporal 
reflected — the  more  he  considered  the  matter,  the  more  his 
brain  became  confused ;  he  was  at  a  nonplus,  and  he  gave 
it  up  in  despair  :  he  stood  still,  took  out  a  blue  cotton 
handkerchief  from  the  breast  of  his  jacket  and  wiped  his 
forehead,  for  the  intensity  of  thought  had  made  him 
perspire — anything  like  reflection  was  very  hard  work  for 
Corporal  Van  Spitter. 

"Tousand  tyfels  !  "  at  last  exclaimed  the  corporal,  and 
he  paused  and  knocked  his  big  head  with  his  fist. 

•'*  Hundred  thousand  tyfels ! "  repeated  the  corporal 
after  five  minutes'  more  thought. 

*'  Twenty  hundred  tousand  tyfels  ! "  muttered  the 
corporal,  once  more  knocking  his  head  :  but  he  knocked 
in  vain ;  like  an  empty  house,  there  was  no  one  within 
to  answer  the  appeal.  The  corporal  could  no  more  :  so 
he  returned  his  pocket-handkerchief  to  the  breast  of  his 
jacket,  and  a  heavy  sigh  escaped  from  his  own  breast.  All 
the  devils  in  hell  were  mentally  conjured  and  summoned 
to  his  aid,  but  they  were,  it  is  to  be  presumed,  better 
employed,  for  although  the  work  in  hand  was  diabolical 
enough,  still,  Smallbones  was  such  a  poor  devil,  that 
probably  he  might  have  been  considered  as  remotely  allied 
to  the  fraternity. 

It  may  be  inquired  why,  as  this  was  on  service,  Corporal 
Van  Spitter  did  not  apply  for  the  assistance  of  the  seamen 
belonging  to  the  vessel,  particularly  to  the  officer  in  charge 
of  the  deck ;  but  the  fact  was,  that  he  was  unwilling  to 
do  this,  knowing  that  his  application  would  be  in  vain,  for 


6o  Snarleyyow;  or, 

he  was  aware  that  the  whole  crew  sided  with  Smallbones  ; 
it  was  only  as  a  last  resource  that  he  intended  to  do  this, 
and  being  now  at  his  ivit^s  end,  he  walked  up  to  Dick 
Short,  who  had  been  watching  the  corporal's  motions  in 
silence,  and  accosted  him. 

"If  you  please.  Mynheer  Short,  Mynheer  Vanslyperken 
give  orders  dat  de  boy  be  keel-hauled  dis  morning : — I 
want  haben  de  rope  and  de  way." 

Short  looked  at  the  corporal,  and  made  no  reply. 

"  Mynheer  Short,  I  haben  tell  de  order  of  Mynheer 
Vanslyperken." 

Dick  Short  made  no  reply,  but  leaning  over  the  hatch- 
way, called  out,  "  Jemmy." 

**  Ay,  ay,"  replied  Jemmy  Ducks,  turning  out  of  his 
hammock  and  dropping  on  the  lower  deck. 

Corporal  Van  Spitter,  who  imagined  that  Mr  Short 
was  about  to  comply  with  his  request  after  his  own 
Harpocratic  fashion,  remained  quietly  on  the  deck  until 
Jemmy  Ducks  made  his  appearance. 

"  Hands,"  quoth  Short. 

Jemmy  piped  the  hands  up. 

**  Boat,"  quoth  Short,  turning  his  head  to  the  small  boat 
hoisted  up  astern. 

Now  as  all  this  was  apparently  preparatory  to  the  work 
required,  the  corporal  was  satisfied.  The  men  soon  came 
up  with  their  hammocks  on  their  shoulders,  which  they 
put  into  the  nettings,  and  then  Jemmy  proceeded  to  lower 
down  the  boat.  As  soon  as  it  was  down  and  hauled  up 
alongside,  Short  turned  round  to  Coble,  and  waving  his 
hand  towards  the  shore,  said, 

*^Beef." 

Cobie,  who  perfectly  understood  him,  put  a  new  quid 
into  his  cheek,  went  down  the  side,  and  pulled  on  shore 
to  bring  off  the  fresh  beef  and  vegetables  for  the  ship's 
company ;  after  which  Dick  Short  walked  the  deck  and 
gave  no  further  orders. 

Corporal  Van  Spitter  perceiving  this,  went  up  to  him 
again. 


The  Dog  Fiend  6i 

**  Mynheer  Short,  you  please  get  ready.*' 

**  No  !  "  thundered  Short,  turning  away. 

"  Got  for  dam,  dat  is  mutiny,"  muttered  the  corporal, 
who  immediately  backed  stern  foremost  down  the  hatch- 
way, to  report  to  his  commandant  the  state  of  affairs  on 
deck.  Mr  Vanslyperken  had  already  risen ;  he  had  slept 
but  one  hour  during  the  whole  night,  and  that  one  hour 
was  so  occupied  with  wild  and  fearful  dreams  that  he 
awoke  from  his  sleep  unrefreshed.  He  had  dreamed  that 
he  was  making  every  attempt  to  drown  Smallbones,  but 
without  effect,  for,  so  soon  as  the  lad  was  dead  he  came 
to  life  again ;  he  thought  that  Smallbones'  soul  was  in- 
corporated in  a  small  animal  something  like  a  mouse,  and 
that  he  had  to  dislodge  it  from  its  tenement  of  clay ;  but 
as  soon  as  he  drove  it  from  one  part  of  the  body  it  would 
force  Its  way  back  again  into  another ;  if  he  forced  it  out 
by  the  mouth  after  incredible  exertions,  which  made  him 
perspire  at  every  pore,  it  would  run  back  again  into  the 
ear ;  if  forced  from  thence,  through  the  nostril,  then  in 
at  the  toe,  or  any  other  part ;  in  short,  he  laboured 
apparently  in  his  dream  for  years,  but  without  success. 
And  then  the  **  change  came  o'er  the  spirit  of  his  dream  ;'* 
but  still  there  was  analogy,  for  he  was  now  trying  to 
press  his  suit,  which  was  now  a  liquid  in  a  vial,  into  the 
widow  Vandersloosh,  but  in  vain.  He  administered  it 
again  and  again,  but  it  acted  as  an  emetic,  and  she  could 
not  stomach  it,  and  then  he  found  himself  rejected  by 
all — the  widow  kicked  him,  Smallbones  stamped  upon 
him,  even  Snarleyyow  flew  at  him  and  bit  him ,  at  last, 
he  fell  with  an  enormous  paving-stone  round  his  neck, 
descending  into  a  horrible  abyss  head  foremost,  and,  as 
he  increased  his  velocity,  he  awoke  trembling  and  con- 
fused, and  could  sleep  no  more.  This  dream  was  not 
one  to  put  Mr  Vanslyperken  into  good  humour,  and  two 
severe  cuts  on  his  cheek  with  the  razor  as  he  attempted 
to  shave,  for  his  hand  still  trembled,  had  added  to  his 
discontent,  when  it  was  raised  to  its  climax  by  the  entrance 
of  Corporal   Van   Spitter,   who  made  his  report  of  the 


62  Snarleyyow;  or, 

mutinous  conduct  of  the  first  officer.  Never  was  Mr 
Vanslyperken  in  such  a  tumult  of  rage;  he  pulled  off 
some  beaver  from  his  hat  to  staunch  the  blood,  and  wiping 
off  the  remainder  of  the  lather,  for  he  put  aside  the 
operation  of  shaving  till  his  hand  was  more  steady,  he 
threw  on  his  coat  and  followed  the  corporal  on  deck, 
looked  round  with  a  savage  air,  spied  out  the  diminutive 
form  of  Jemmy  Ducks,  and  desired  him  to  pipe  "all 
hands  to  keel-haul." 

Whereupon  Jemmy  put  his  pipe  to  his  mouth,  and  after 
a  long  flourish,  bawled  out  what  appeared  to  Mr  Vansly- 
perken to  be — all  hands  to  be  keel-hauled;  but  Jemmy 
slurred  over  quickly  the  little  change  made  in  the  order, 
and,  although  the  men  tittered,  Mr  Vanslyperken  thought 
it  better  to  say  nothing.  But  there  is  an  old  saying,  that 
you  may  bring  a  horse  to  the  pond,  but  you  cannot  make 
him  drink.  Mr  Vanslyperken  had  given  the  order,  but 
no  one  attempted  to  commence  the  arrangements.  The 
only  person  who  showed  any  activity  was  Smallbones 
himself,  who,  not  aware  that  he  was  to  be  punished,  and 
hearing  all  hands  piped  for  something  or  another,  came 
shambling,  all  legs  and  wings,  up  the  hatchway,  and 
looked  around  to  ascertain  what  was  to  be  done.  He  was 
met  by  the  bulky  form  of  Corporal  Van  Spitter,  who, 
thinking  that  Smallbones'  making  his  appearance  in  such 
haste  was  with  the  intention  of  jumping  overboard  to 
avoid  his  punishment,  immediately  seized  him  by  the 
collar  with  the  left  hand,  turned  round  on  a  pivot  towards 
Mr  Vanslyperken,  and  raising  his  right  hand  to  his 
foraging  cap,  reported,  "  The  prisoner  on  deck,  Mynheer 
Vanslyperken."  This  roused  the  lieutenant  to  action,  for 
he  had  been  walking  the  deck  for  a  half  minute  in  deep 
thought. 

**  Is  all  ready  there,  forward  ?  "  cried  Mr  Vanslyperken. 

No  one  replied. 

**  I  say,  boatswain,  is  all  ready  ? " 

"No,  sir,"  replied  Jemmy  ;  "  nobody  knows  how  to  set 
about  it.     I  don't,  anyhow — I  never  seed  anything  of  the 


The  Dog  Fiend  6;^ 

like  since  I've  been  in  the  service — the  whole  of  the  ship's 
company  say  the  same."  But  even  the  flakes  of  snow, 
which  now  fell  thick,  and  whitened  the  blue  jacket  of 
Mr  Vanslyperken,  could  not  assuage  his  wrath  —  he 
perceived  that  the  men  were  refractory,  so  he  summoned 
the  six  marines — who  were  completely  under  the  control 
of  their  corporal. 

Poor  Smallbones  had,  in  the  meantime,  discovered  what 
was  going  on,  and  thought  that  he  might  as  well  urge 
something  in  his  own  defence. 

"If  you  please,  what  are  you  going  for  to  do  with 
me  ?  "  said  the  lad,  with  a  terrified  look. 

"  Lead  him  forward,"  said  Mr  Vanslyperken  ;  "  follow 
me,  marines  -, "  and  the  whole  party,  headed  by  the 
lieutenant,  went  before  the  mast. 

"  Strip  him,"  cried  Mr  Vanslyperken. 

"  Strip  me,  with  the  snow  flying  like  this !  An't  I 
cold  enough  already  ?  " 

"  You'll  be  colder  when  you're  under  the  bottom  of  the 
cutter,"  replied  his  master. 

"  O  Lord  !  then  it  is  keel-hauling  a'ter  all ;  why  what 
have  I  done  ? "  cried  Smallbones,  as  the  marines  divested 
him  of  his  shirt,  and  exposed  his  emaciated  body  to  the 
pitiless  storm. 

"  Where's  Snarleyyow,  sir  ? — confess." 

"  Snarleyyow — how  should  I  know,  sir  ?  it's  very  hard, 
because  your  dog  is  not  to  be  found,  that  I'm  to  be 
dragged  under  the  bottom  of  a  vessel." 

"  I'll  teach  you  to  throw  paving-stones  in  the  canal." 

"Paving-stones,  sir  !  "  and  Smallbones'  guilty  conscience 
flew  in  his  face.  "Well,  sir,  do  as  you  please,  I'm  sure 
I  don't  care ;  if  I  am  to  be  killed,  be  quick  about  it — I'm 
5ure  I  sha'n't  come  up  alive." 

Here  Mr  Vanslyperken  remembered  his  dream,  and  the 
difficulty  which  he  had  in  driving  Smallbones'  soul  out  of 
his  body,  and  he  was  fearful  that  even  keel-hauling  would 
not  settle  Smallbones. 

By    the   directions    of  Mr   Vanslyperken,   the   hauling 


64  Snarleyyow;  or, 

ropes  and  other  tackle  were  collected  by  the  marines,  for 
the  seamen  stood  by,  and  appeared  resolved,  to  a  man,  to 
do  nothing,  and,  in  about  half  an  hour,  all  was  ready. 
Four  marines  manned  the  hauling  line,  one  was  placed  at 
each  side-rope  fastened  to  the  lad's  arms,  and  the  corporal, 
as  soon  as  he  had  lifted  the  body  of  Smallbones  over  the 
larboard  gunnel,  had  directions  to  attend  the  bow-line, 
and  not  allow  him  to  be  dragged  on  too  fast :  a  better 
selection  for  this  purpose  could  not  have  been  made  than 
Corporal  Van  Spitter.  Smallbones  had  been  laid  without 
his  clothes  on  the  deck,  now  covered  with  snow,  during 
the  time  that  the  lines  were  making  fast  to  him;  he 
remained  silent,  and  as  usual,  when  punished,  with  his 
eyes  shut,  and  as  Vanslyperken  watched  him  with  feelings 
of  hatred,  he  perceived  an  occasional  smile  to  cross  the  lad's 
haggard  features.  He  knows  where  the  dog  is,  thought 
Vanslyperken,  and  his  desire  to  know  what  had  become 
of  Snarleyyow  overcame  his  vengeance — he  addressed  the 
shivering  Smallbones. 

**  Now,  sir,  if  you  wish  to  escape  the  punishment,  tell  me 
what  has  become  of  the  dog,  for  I  perceive  that  you  know.'* 

Smallbones  grinned  as  his  teeth  chattered — he  would 
have  undergone  a  dozen  keel-haulings  rather  than  have 
satisfied  Vanslyperken. 

**  I  give  you  ten  minutes  to  think  of  it,"  continued  the 
lieutenant ;  "  hold  all  fast  at  present." 

The  snow  storm  now  came  on  so  thick  that  it  was 
difficult  to  distinguish  the  length  of  the  vessel.  Small- 
bones' naked  limbs  were  gradually  covered,  and,  before 
the  ten  minutes  were  expired,  he  was  wrapped  up  in  snow 
as  in  a  garment — he  shook  his  head  occasionally  to  clear 
his  face,  but  remained  silent. 

**  Now,  sir,"  cried  Vanslyperken,  **  will  you  tell  me,  or 
overboard  you  go  at  once  ?     Will  you  tell  me  ?  " 

**  No,"  replied  Smallbones. 

"  Do  you  know,  you  scoundrel  ? " 

**  Yes,"  replied  Smallbones,  whose  indignation  was 
roused. 


The  Dog  Fiend  6$ 

'*  And  you  won't  tell  ?  " 

**  No,"  shrieked  the  lad — "  no,  never,  never,  never  !  " 

"  Corporal  Van  Spitter,  over  with  him,"  cried  Vansly- 
perken  in  a  rage,  when  a  sudden  stir  was  heard  amongst 
the  men  aft,  and  as  the  corporal  raised  up  the  light  frame 
of  the  culprit,  to  carry  it  to  the  gunnel,  to  the  astonish- 
ment of  Vanslyperken,  of  the  corporal,  and  of  Smallbones, 
Snarleyyow  appeared  on  the  forecastle,  and  made  a  rush  at 
Smallbones,  as  he  lay  in  the  corporal's  arms,  snapped  at  his 
leg,  and  then  set  up  his  usual  deep  baying,  "  bow,  bow, 
bow  ! " 

The  re-appearance  of  the  dog  created  no  small  sensation 
— Vanslyperken  felt  that  he  had  now  no  reason  for  keel- 
hauling Smallbones,  which  annoyed  him  as  much  as  the 
sight  of  the  dog  gave  him  pleasure.  The  corporal,  who 
had  dropped  Smallbones  on  the  snow,  was  also  dis- 
appointed. As  for  Smallbones,  at  the  baying  of  the  dog,  he 
started  up  on  his  knees,  and  looked  at  it  as  if  it  were  an 
apparition,  with  every  demonstration  of  terror  in  his  coun- 
tenance ;  his  eyes  glared  upon  the  animal  with  horror  and 
astonishment,  and  he  fell  down  in  a  swoon.  The  whole  of 
the  ship's  company  were  taken  aback — they  looked  at  one 
another  and  shook  their  heads — one  only  remark  was  made 
by  Jansen,  who  muttered,  "De  tog  is  no  tog  a'ter  all." 

Mr  Vanslyperken  ordered  Smallbones  to  be  taken  below, 
and  then  walked  aft;  perceiving  Obadiah  Coble,  he 
inquired  whence  the  dog  had  come,  and  was  answered 
that  he  had  come  off  in  the  boat  which  he  had  taken  on 
shore  for  fresh  beef  and  vegetables.  Mr  Vanslyperken 
made  no  reply,  but,  with  Snarleyyow  at  his  heels,  went 
down  into  the  cabin. 


66  Snarleyyow;  or, 


Chapter  XI 

In  which  Snarleyyow  does  not  at  all  assist  his  master's  cause  with  the  Widow 
Vandersloosh. 

It  will  be  necessary  to  explain  to  the  reader  by  what 
means  the  life  of  our  celebrated  cur  was  preserved.  When 
Smallbones  had  thrown  him  into  the  canal,  tied  up,  as  he 
supposed,  in  his  winding-sheet,  what  Mr  Vanslyperken 
observed  was  true,  that  there  were  people  below,  and  the 
supposed  paving-stone  might  have  fallen  upon  them ;  the 
voices  which  he  heard  were  those  of  father  and  son, 
who  were  in  a  small  boat  going  from  a  galliot  to  the  steps 
where  they  intended  to  land  ;  for  this  canal  was  not  like 
most  others,  with  the  water  in  it  sufficiently  high  to  enable 
people  to  step  from  the  vessel's  gunnel  to  the  jetty. 
Snarleyyow  fell  in  his  bag  a  few  yards  ahead  of  the  boat, 
and  the  splash  naturally  attracted  their  attention  ;  he  did 
not  sink  immediately,  but  floundered  and  struggled  so  as 
to  keep  himself  partly  above  water. 

"  What  is  that  ? "  exclaimed  the  father  to  his  son,  in 
Dutch. 

"  Mein  Gott !  who  is  to  know  ? — but  we  will  see  ; " 
and  the  son  took  the  boat-hook,  and  with  it  dragged  the 
bread-bags  towards  the  boat,  just  as  they  were  sinking, 
for  Snarleyyow  was  exhausted  with  his  efforts.  The  two 
together  dragged  the  bags  with  their  contents  into  the 
boat. 

**  It  is  a  dog  or  something,"  observed  the  son. 

"  Very  well,  but  the  bread-bags  will  be  useful,"  replied 
the  father,  and  they  pulled  on  to  the  landing-stairs.  When 
they  arrived  there  they  lifted  out  the  bags,  laid  them  on 
the  stone  steps,  and  proceeded  to  unrip  them,  when  they 
found  Snarleyyow,  who  was  just  giving  signs  of  returning 
animation.  They  took  the  bags  with  them,  after  having 
rolled  his  carcass  out,  and  left  it  on  the  steps,  for  there 
was  a  fine  for  throwing  anything  into  the  canal.     The  cur 


The  Dog  Fiend  6^ 

soon  after  recovered,  and  was  able  to  stand  on  his  legs ; 
so  soon  as  he  could  walk  he  made  his  way  to  the  door  of 
the  widow  Vandersloosh,  and  howled  for  admittance. 
The  widow  had  retired  :  she  had  been  reading  her  book  of 
prieres,  as  every  one  should  do,  who  has  been  cheating 
people  all  day  long.  She  was  about  to  extinguish  her 
light,  when  this  serenade  saluted  her  ears  5  it  became 
intolerable  as  the  dog  gained  strength. 

Babette  had  long  been  fast  asleep,  and  was  with 
difficulty  roused  up  and  directed  to  beat  the  cur  away. 
She  attempted  to  perform  the  duty,  arming  herself  with 
the  broom  ;  but  the  moment  she  opened  the  door  Snarley- 
yow  dashed  in  between  her  legs,  upsetting  her  on  the 
brick  pavement.  Babette  screamed,  and  her  mistress  came 
out  in  the  passage  to  ascertain  the  cause ;  the  dog  not 
being  able  to  run  into  the  parlour,  bolted  up  the  stairs, 
and  snapping  at  the  widow  as  he  passed,  secured  a  berth 
underneath  her  bed. 

"  Oh,  mein  Gott  !  it  is  the  dog  of  the  lieutenant," 
exclaimed  Babette,  coming  up  the  stairs  in  greater  dishabille 
than  her  mistress,  and  with  the  broom  in  her  hand. 
"  What  shall  we  do — how  shall  we  get  rid  of  him  ? " 

**  A  thousand  devils  may  take  the  lieutenant,  and  his 
nasty  dog,  too,"  exclaimed  the  widow,  in  great  wrath  5 
**  this  is  the  last  time  that  either  of  them  enter  my  house  ; 
try,  Babette,  with  your  broom — shove  at  him  hard." 

"  Yes,  ma'am,"  replied  Babette,  pushing  with  all  her 
strength  at  the  dog  beneath  the  bed,  who  seized  the  broom 
with  his  teeth,  and  pulled  it  away  from  Babette.  It  was  a 
struggle  of  strength  between  the  girl  and  Snarleyyow — 
pull,  Babette — pull,  dog — one  moment  the  broom,  with 
two-thirds  of  the  handle,  disappeared  under  the  bed,  the 
next  the  maid  recovered  her  lost  ground.  Snarleyyow 
was  first  tired  of  this  contention,  and  to  prove  that  he  had 
no  thoughts  of  abandoning  his  position,  he  let  go  the 
broom,  flew  at  Babette's  naked  legs,  and  having  inserted 
his  teeth  half  through  her  ankle,  he  returned  growling  to 
his  former   retreat.     "  O  dear,   mein    Gott !  "   exclaimed 


6S  Snarleyyow;  or, 

Babette,  dropping  her  broom,  and  holding  her  ankle  with 
both  hands. 

*'  What  shall  we  do  ? '"  cried  the  widow,  wringing  her 
hands. 

It  was  indeed  a  case  of  difficulty.  Mynheer  Vandersloosh, 
before  he  had  quitted  this  transitory  scene,  had  become  a 
personage  as  bulky  as  the  widow  herself,  and  the  bed  had 
been  made  unusually  wide  ;  the  widow  still  retained  the 
bed  for  her  own  use,  for  there  was  no  knowing  whether 
she  might  not  again  be  induced  to  enter  the  hymeneal 
state.  It  occupied  more  than  one  half  of  the  room,  and 
the  dog  had  gained  a  position  from  which  it  was  not  easy 
for  two  women  to  dislodge  him ;  and,  as  the  dog  snarled 
and  growled  under  the  bed,  so  did  the  widow's  wrath  rise 
as  she  stood  shivering — and  it  was  directed  against  the 
master.  She  vowed  mentally,  that  so  sure  as  the  dog 
was  under  the  bed,  so  sure  should  his  master  never  get 
into  it. 

And  Babette's  wrath  was  also  kindled,  now  that  the  first 
pain  of  the  bite  had  worn  off;  she  seized  the  broom  again, 
and  made  some  furious  lunges  at  Snarleyyow,  so  furious, 
that  he  could  not  regain  possession  with  his  teeth.  The 
door  of  the  room  had  been  left  open  that  the  dog  might 
escape — so  had  the  street-door;  and  the  widow  stood  at 
the  foot  of  the  bed,  waiting  for  some  such  effect  being 
produced  by  Babette's  vigorous  attacks ;  but  the  effects 
were  not  such  as  she  anticipated ;  the  dog  became  more 
enraged,  and  at  last  sprang  out  at  the  foot  of  the  bed,  flew 
at  the  widow,  tore  her  only  garment,  and  bit  her  in  the 
leg.  Frau  Vandersloosh  screamed  and  reeled — reeled 
against  the  door  left  half  open,  and  falling  against  it, 
slammed  it  to  with  her  weight,  and  fell  down  shrieking. 
Snarleyyow,  who  probably  had  intended  to  make  off, 
seeing  that  his  escape  was  prevented,  again  retreated 
under  the  bed,  and  as  soon  as  he  was  there  he  recom- 
menced an  attack  upon  Babette's  legs. 

Now,  it  appears,  that  what  the  united  courage  of  the 
two  females  could  not  accomplish,  was  at  last  effected  by 


The  Dog  Fiend  69 

their  united  fears.  The  widow  Vandersloosh  gained  her 
legs  as  soon  as  she  could,  and  at  first  opened  the  door 
to  run  out,  but  her  night  dress  was  torn  to  ribbons  in 
front.  She  looked  at  her  situation — modesty  conquered 
every  other  feeling — she  burst  into  tears,  and  exclaiming, 
**  Mr  Vanslyperken  !  Mr  Vanslyperken  !  "  she  threw  her- 
self in  an  ecstasy  of  grief  and  rage  on  the  centre  of  the 
bed.  At  the  same  moment  the  teeth  of  the  dog  were 
again  fixed  upon  the  ankles  of  Babette,  who  also  shrieked, 
and  threw  herself  on  the  bed,  and  upon  her  mistress. 
The  bed  was  a  good  bed,  and  had  for  years  done  its  duty ; 
but  you  may  even  overload  a  bed,  and  so  it  proved  in  this 
instance.  The  united  weights  of  the  mistress  and  the 
maid  coming  down  upon  it  with  such  emphasis,  was  more 
than  the  bed  could  bear — the  sacking  gave  way  altogether, 
and  the  mattress  which  they  lay  upon  was  now  supported 
by  the  floor. 

But  this  misfortune  was  their  preservation — for  when 
the  mattress  came  down,  it  came  down  upon  Snarleyyow. 
The  animal  contrived  to  clear  his  loins,  or  he  would  have 
perished ;  but  he  could  not  clear  his  long  mangy  tail, 
which  was  now  caught  and  firmly  fixed  in  a  new  species 
of  trap,  the  widow's  broadest  proportions  having  firmly 
secured  him  by  it.  Snarleyyow  pulled,  and  pulled,  but  he 
pulled  in  vain — he  was  fixed — he  could  not  bite,  for  the 
mattress  was  between  them — he  pulled,  and  he  howled, 
and  barked,  and  turned  himself  every  way,  and  yelped  j 
and  had  not  his  tail  been  of  coarse  and  thick  dimensions, 
he  might  have  left  it  behind  him,  so  great  were  his 
exertions  ;  but,  no,  it  was  impossible.  The  widow  was  a 
widow  of  substance,  as  Vanslyperken  had  imagined,  and 
as  she  now  proved  to  the  dog — the  only  difference  was, 
that  the  master  wished  to  be  in  the  very  situation  which 
the  dog  was  now  so  anxious  to  escape  from — to  wit,  tailed 
on  to  the  widow.  Babette,  who  soon  perceived  that  the 
dog  was  so,  now  got  out  of  the  bed,  and  begging  her 
mistress  not  to  move  an  inch,  and  seizing  the  broom, 
she    hammered   Snarleyyow   most   unmercifully,    without 


70  Snarleyyow;  or, 

any  fear  of  retaliation.  The  dog  redoubled  his  exertions^ 
and  the  extra  weight  of  Babette  being  now  removed,  he 
was  at  last  able  to  withdraw  his  appendage,  and  probably 
feeling  that  there  was  now  no  chance  of  a  quiet  night's 
rest  in  his  present  quarters,  he  made  a  bolt  out  of  the 
room,  down  the  stairs,  and  into  the  street.  Babette 
chased  him  down,  threw  the  broom  at  his  head  as  he 
cleared  the  threshold,  and  then  bolted  the  door. 

**  O  the  beast ! "  exclaimed  Babette,  going  up  stairs 
again,  out  of  breath ;  ''he's  gone  at  last,  ma'am." 

*'  Yes,"  replied  the  widow,  rising  up  with  difficulty 
from  the  hole  made  with  her  own  centre  of  gravity  j  "  and 
— and  his  master  shall  go  too.  Make  love  indeed — the 
atomy — the  shrimp — the  dried-up  stock-fish.  Love,  quotha 
— and  refuse  to  hang  a  cur  like  that.  O  dear !  O  dear ! 
get  me  something  to  put  on.  One  of  my  best  chemises  all 
in  rags — and  his  nasty  teeth  in  my  leg  in  two  places, 
Babette.  Well,  well,  Mr  Vanslyperken,  we  shall  see — I 
don't  care  for  their  custom.  Mr  Vanslyperken,  you'll  not 
sit  on  my  sofa  again,  I  can  tell  you  ; — hug  your  nasty  cur 
— quite  good  enough  for  you.  Yes,  yes,  Mr  Vansly- 
perken." 

By  this  time  the  widow  had  received  a  fresh  supply  of 
linen  from  Babette ;  and  as  soon  as  she  had  put  it  on  she 
rose  from  the  bed,  the  fractured  state  of  which  again  called 
forth  her  indignation. 

"  Thirty-two  years  have  I  had  this  bed,  wedded  and 
single,  Babette  !  "  exclaimed  the  widow.  "  For  sixteen 
years  did  I  sleep  on  that  bed  with  the  lamented  Mr 
Vandersloosh — for  sixteen  years  have  I  slept  in  it,  a 
lone  widow — but  never  till  now  did  it  break  down.  How 
am  I  to  sleep  to-night  ?     What  am  I  to  do,  Babette  ?  " 

"'Twas  well  it  did  break  down,  ma'am,"  replied 
Babette,  who  was  smoothing  down  the  jagged  skin  at 
her  ankles ;  "or  we  should  never  have  got  the  nasty 
biting  brute  out  of  the  house." 

"Very  well — very  well.  Yes,  yes,  Mr  Vanslyperken 
— marriage,  indeed,  I'd  as  soon  marry  his  cur." 


The  Dog  Fiend  71 

**  Mein  Gott  !  "  exclaimed  Babette.  "  I  think  madame, 
if  you  did  marry,  you  would  soon  find  the  master  as  cross 
as  the  dog  ;  but  I  must  make  this  bed." 

Babette  proceeded  to  examine  the  mischief,  and  found 
that  it  was  only  the  cords  which  tied  the  sacking  which 
had  given  way,  and  considering  that  they  had  done  their 
office  for  thirty-two  years,  and  the  strain  which  had  been 
put  upon  them  after  so  long  a  period,  there  was  not  much 
to  complain  of.  A  new  cord  was  procured,  and,  in  a 
quarter  of  an  hour,  all  was  right  again  ;  and  the  widow, 
who  had  sat  in  the  chair  fuming  and  blowing  off  her 
steam,  as  soon  as  Babette  had  turned  down  the  bed, 
turned  in  again,  muttering,  **  Yes,  yes,  Mr  Vanslyperken 
— marriage  indeed.  Well,  well,  we  shall  see.  Stop  till 
to-morrow,  Mr  Vanslyperken ; "  and  as  Babette  has 
closed  the  curtains,  so  will  we  close  this  chapter. 


Chapter  XII 

In  which  resolutions  are  entered  into  in  all  quarters,  and  Jemmy  Ducks  is 
accused  of  mutiny  for  singing  a  song  in  a  snow-storm. 

What  were  the  adventures  of  Snarleyyow  after  this 
awkward  interfence  with  his  master's  speculations  upon 
the  widow,  until  he  jumped  into  the  beef  boat  to  go  on 
board  of  the  cutter,  are  lost  for  ever ;  but  it  is  to  be 
supposed  that  he  could  not  have  remained  the  whole 
night  without  making  himself  disagreeable  in  some  quarter 
or  another.  But,  as  we  before  observed,  we  know 
nothing  about  it;  and,  therefore,  may  be  excused  if  we 
do  not  tell. 

The  widow  Vandersloosh  slept  but  little  that  night : 
her  soul  was  full  of  vengeance;  but  although  smarting 
with  the  imprints  of  the  cur's  teeth,  still  she  had  an  eye 
to  business;  the  custom  of  the  crew  of  the  cutter  was  not 
to  be  despised,  and,  as  she  thought  of  this,  she  gradually 
cooled  down.     It  was  not  till  four  o'clock  in  the  morning 


72  Snarleyyow;  or, 

that  she  came  to  her  decision ;  and  it  was  a  very  prudent 
one,  which  was  to  demand  the  dead  body  of  the  dog  to 
be  laid  at  her  door  before  Mr  Vanslyperken  should  be 
allowed  admittance.  This  was  her  right,  and  if  he  was 
sincere,  he  would  not  refuse ;  if  he  did  refuse,  it  was  not 
at  all  clear  that  she  should  lose  the  custom  of  the  seamen, 
over  the  major  part  of  whom  Vanslyperken  then  appeared 
to  have  very  little  control ;  and  all  of  whom,  she  knew, 
detested  him  most  cordially,  as  well  as  his  dog.  After 
which  resolution  the  widow  Vandersloosh  fell  fast  asleep. 
But  we  must  return  on  board,  where  there  was  almost 
as  much  confusion  as  there  had  been  on  shore.  The  re- 
appearance of  Snarleyyow  was  considered  supernatural, 
for  SmaJlbones  had  distinctly  told  in  what  manner  he  had 
tied  him  up  in  the  bread-bags,  and  thrown  him  into  the 
canal.  Whisperings  and  murmurings  were  heard  all 
round  the  cutter's  decks.  Obadiah  Coble  shrugged  up 
his  shoulders,  as  he  took  an  extra  quid — Dick  Short 
walked  about  with  lips  compressed,  more  taciturn  than 
ever — Jansen  shook  his  head,  muttering,  "  Te  tog  is  no 
tog  " — Bill  Spurey  had  to  repeat  to  the  ship's  company 
the  legend  of  his  coming  on  board  over  and  over  again. 
The  only  persons  who  appeared  not  to  have  lost  their 
courage  were  Jemmy  Ducks  and  poor  Smallbones,  who 
had  been  put  in  his  hammock  to  recover  him  from  his  re- 
frigeration. The  former  said,  "  that  if  they  were  to  sail 
with  the  devil,  it  could  not  be  helped,  pay  and  prize- 
money  would  still  go  on ; "  and  the  latter,  who  had  quite 
recovered  his  self-possession,  "  vowed  that  dog  or  devil, 
he  would  never  cease  his  attempts  to  destroy  him — if  he 
was  the  devil,  or  one  of  his  imps,  it  was  his  duty  as  a 
Christian  to  oppose  him,  and  he  had  no  chance  of  better 
treatment  if  he  were  to  remain  quiet."  The  snow-storm 
continued,  and  the  men  remained  below,  all  but  Jemmy 
Ducks,  who  leaned  against  the  lee  side  of  the  cutter's 
mast,  and,  as  the  snow  fell,  sang,  to  a  slow  air,  the 
following  ditty,  it  probably  being  called  to  his  recollection 
by  the  state  of  the  weather. 


The  Dog  Fiend  ^7^ 


Twas  at  the  landing-place  that's  just  below  Mount  Wyse, 
Poll  leaned  against  the  sentry's  box,  a  tear  in  both  her  eyes, 
Her  apron  twisted  round  her  arms,  all  for  to  keep  them  warm, 
Being  a  windy  Christmas-day,  and  also  a  snow-storm. 

And  Bet  and  Sue 
Both  stood  there  too, 

A-shivering  by  her  side, 
They  both  were  dumb, 
And  both  looked  glum. 

As  they  watched  the  ebbing  tide. 
Poll  put  her  arms  a-kimbo, 

At  the  admiral's  house  looked  she, 
To  thoughts  before  in  limbo, 

She  now  a  vent  gave  free. 
You  have  sent  the  ship  in  a  gale  to  work. 

On  a  lee  shore  to  be  jammed. 
I'll  give  you  a  piece  of  my  mind,  old  Turk, 

Port  Admiral,  you  be  d d. 

Chorus. — We'll  give  you  a  piece  of  our  mind,  old  Turk, 
Port  Admiral,  you  be  d d. 

Who  ever  heard  in  the  sarvice  of  a  frigate  made  to  sail 

On  Christmas-day,  it  blowing  hard,  with  sleet,  and  snow,  and  hail  ? 

I  wish  I  had  the  fishing  of  your  back  that  is  so  bent, 

I'd  use  the  galley  poker  hot  unto  your  heart's  content. 

Here  Bet  and  Sue 
Are  with  me  too, 

A  shivering  by  my  side, 
They  both  are  dumb. 
And  both  look  glum, 

And  watch  the  ebbing  tide. 
Poll  put  her  arms  a-kimbo, 

At  the  admiral's  house  looked  she, 
To  thoughts  that  were  in  limbo. 

She  now  a  vent  gave  free. 
You've  got  a  roaring  fire  I'll  bet, 

In  it  your  toes  are  jammed. 
Let's  give  him  a  piece  of  our  mind,  my  Bet, 

Port  Admiral,  you  be  d d. 

Chorus. — Let's  give  him  a  piece  of  our  mind,  my  Bet, 
Port  Admiral,  you  be  d d. 

I  had  the  flour  and  plums  all  picked,  and  suet  all  chopped  fine. 
To  mix  into  a  pudding  rich  for  all  the  mess  to  dine ; 
I  pawned  my  ear-rings  for  the  beef,  it  weighed  at  least  a  stone, 
Now  my  fancy  man  is  sent  to  sea,  and  I  am  left  alone. 


74  Snarleyyow;  or, 

Here's  Bet  and  Sue 
Who  stand  here  too, 

A  shivering  by  my  side, 
They  both  are  dumb, 
They  both  look  glum, 

And  watch  the  ebbing  tide. 
Poll  put  her  arms  a-kimbo, 

At  the  admiral's  house  looked  she, 
To  thoughts  that  were  in  limbo, 

She  now  a  vent  gave  free. 
You've  got  a  turkey  I'll  be  bound, 

With  which  you  will  be  crammed, 
I'll  give  you  a  bit  of  my  mind,  old  hound, 

Port  Admiral,  you  be  d d. 

Chorus. — I'll  give  you  a  bit  of  my  mind,  old  hound. 
Port  Admiral,  you  be  d d. 

I'm  sure  that  in  this  weather  they  cannot  cook  their  meat, 

To  eat  it  raw  on  Christmas-day  will  be  a  pleasant  treat ; 

But  let  us  all  go  home,  girls,  it's  no  use  waiting  here, 

We'll  hope  that  Christmas-day  to  come,  they  will  have  better  cheer„ 

So  Bet  and  Sue 
Don't  stand  here  too, 

A  shivering  by  my  side, 
Don't  keep  so  dumb, 
Don't  look  so  glum. 

Nor  watch  the  ebbing  tide. 
Poll  put  her  arms  a-kimbo. 

At  the  admiral's  house  looked  she, 
To  thoughts  that  were  in  limbo. 

She  now  a  vent  gave  free. 
So  while  they  cut  their  raw  salt  junks. 

With  dainties  you'll  be  crammed, 
Here's  once  for  all  my  mind,  old  hunks, 

Port  Admiral,  you  be  d d. 

Chorus. — So  once  for  all  our  mind,  old  hunks. 
Port  Admiral  you  be  d d. 

"  Mein  Gott !  but  dat  is  rank  mutiny,  Mynheer  Shemmy 
Tucks,"  observed  Corporal  Van  Spitter,  who  had  come 
upon  the  deck  unperceived  by  Jemmy,  and  had  listened  to 
the  song. 

"  Mutiny,  is  it..'* "  replied  Jemmy,  "  and  report  this 
also. 

"  I'll  give  you  a  bit  of  my  mind,  fat  thief. 
You,  corporal,  may  be  d d." 


The  Dog  Fiend  7^ 

'*Dat  is  better  and  better — I  mean  to  say,  worser  and 
worser,"  replied  the  corporal. 

"  Take  care  I  don't  pitch  you  overboard,"  replied  Jemmy, 
in  wrath. 

"  Dat  is  most  worse  still,"  said  the  corporal,  stalking  aft, 
and  leaving  Jemmy  Ducks  to  follow  up  the  train  of  his 
own  thoughts. 

Jemmy,  who  had  been  roused  by  the  corporal,  and  felt 
the  snow  insinuating  itself  into  the  nape  of  the  neck, 
thought  he  might  as  well  go  down  below. 

The  corporal  made  his  report,  and  Mr  Vanslyperken 
made  his  comments,  but  he  did  no  more,  for  he  was  aware 
that  a  mere  trifle  would  cause  a  general  mutiny.  The 
recovery  of  Snarleyyow  consoled  him,  and  little  thinking 
what  had  been  the  events  of  the  preceding  night,  he 
thought  he  might  as  well  prove  his  devotion  to  the  widow> 
by  paying  his  respects  in  a  snow-storm — but  not  in  the 
attire  of  the  day  before — Mr  Vanslyperken  was  too  econo- 
mical for  that;  so  he  remained  in  his  long  threadbare 
great-coat  and  foul-weather  hat.  Having  first  locked  up 
his  dog  in  the  cabin,  and  entrusted  the  key  to  the  corporal, 
he  went  on  shore,  and  presented  himself  at  the  widow's 
door,  which  was  opened  by  Babette,  who  with  her  person 
barred  entrance :  she  did  not  wait  for  Vanslyperken  to 
speak  first. 

**  Mynheer  Vanslyperken,  you  can't  come  in.  Frau 
Vandersloosh  is  very  ill  in  bed — the  doctor  says  it's  a  bad 
case — she  cannot  be  seen." 

**  111 !  "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken ;  "  your  dear,  charming 
mistress  ill !  Good  heavens  !  what  is  the  matter,  my  dear 
Babette  ? "  replied  Vanslyperken,  with  all  the  pretended 
interest  of  a  devoted  lover. 

"  All  through  you,  Mr  Vanslyperken,"  repHed 
Babette. 

**  Me  !  "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken. 

"  Well,  all  through  your  nasty  cur,  which  is  the  same 
thing." 

"  My  dog !      I  little  thought  that  he  was  left  here," 


y6  Snarleyyow;  or, 

replied  the  lieutenant ;  "  but,  Babette,  let  me  in,  if  you 
please,  for  the  snow  falls  fast,  and *' 

"  And  you  must  not  come  in,  Mr  Vanslyperken,"  replied 
Babette,  pushing  him  back. 

"  Good  heavens  !  what  is  the  matter  ? " 

Babette  then  narrated  what  had  passed,  and  as  she  was 
very  prolix,  Mr  Vanslyperken  was  a  mass  of  snow  on  the 
windward  side  of  him  before  she  had  finished,  which  she 
did,  by  pulling  down  her  worsted  stockings,  and  showing 
the  wounds  which  she  had  received  as  her  portion  in  the 
last  night's  affray.  Having  thus  given  ocular  evidence  of 
the  truth  of  what  she  had  asserted,  Babette  then  delivered 
the  message  of  her  mistress ;  to  wit,  "  that  until  the  dead 
body  of  Snarleyyow  was  laid  at  the  porch  where  they  now 
stood,  he,  Mr  Vanslyperken,  would  never  gain  re-admis- 
sion." So  saying,  and  not  feeling  it  very  pleasant  to 
continue  a  conversation  in  a  snow-storm,  Babette  very 
unceremoniously  slammed  the  door  in  Mr  Vanslyperken's 
face,  and  left  him  to  digest  the  communication  with  what 
appetite  he  might.  Mr  Vanslyperken,  notwithstanding  the 
cold  weather,  hastened  from  the  door  in  a  towering  passion. 
The  perspiration  actually  ran  down  his  face,  and  mingled 
with  the  melting  snow.  *'To  be  or  not  to  be" — give  up 
the  widow  or  give  up  his  darling  Snarleyyow — a  dog  whom 
he  loved  the  more,  the  more  he  was,  through  him,  entangled 
in  scrapes  and  vexations — a  dog  whom  every  one  hated, 
and  therefore  he  loved — a  dog  which  had  not  a  single 
recommendation,  and  therefore  was  highly  prized — a  dog 
assailed  by  all,  and  especially  by  that  scarecrow  Smallbones, 
to  whom  his  death  would  be  a  victory — it  was  impossible. 
But  then  the  widow — with  such  lots  of  guilders  in  the 
bank,  and  such  a  good  income  from  the  Lust  Haus,  he  had 
long  made  up  his  mind  to  settle  in  possession.  It  was 
the  haven  which,  in  the  vista  of  his  mind,  he  had  been 
so  long  accustomed  to  dwell  upon,  and  he  could  not  give 
up  the  hope. 

Yet  one  must  be  sacrificed.  No,  he  could  part  with 
neither.      **  I  have  it,"  thought  he ;    **  I  will  make   the 


The  Dog  Fiend  ^^ 

widow  believe  that  I  have  sacrificed  the  dog,  and  then, 
when  I  am  once  in  possession,  the  dog  shall  come  back 
again,  and  let  her  say  a  word  if  she  dares ;  I'll  tame  her, 
and  pay  her  off  for  old  scores." 

Such  was  the  determination  of  Mr  Vanslyperken,  as  he 
walked  back  to  the  boat.  His  reverie  was,  however, 
broken  by  his  breaking  his  nose  against  a  lamp-post,  which 
did  not  contribute  to  his  good-humour.  "  Yes,  yes,  Frau 
Vandersloosh,  we  will  see,"  muttered  Vanslyperken ;  "you 
would  kill  my  dog,  would  you  ?  It's  a  dog's  life  I'll  lead 
you  when  I'm  once  secure  of  you,  Madame  Vandersloosh. 
You  cheated  me  out  of  my  biscuit — we  shall  see ; "  and 
Mr  Vanslyperken  stepped  into  his  boat  and  pulled  on 
board. 

On  his  arrival  he  found  that  a  messenger  had  come  on 
board  during  his  absence,  with  the  letters  of  thanks  from 
the  king's  loving  cousins,  and  with  directions  that  he  should 
return  with  them  forthwith.  This  suited  the  views  of 
Vanslyperken;  he  wrote  a  long  letter  to  the  widow,  in 
which  he  expressed  his  willingness  to  sacrifice  everything 
for  her — not  only  to  hang  his  dog,  but  to  hang  himself  if 
she  wished  it — lamented  his  immediate  orders  for  sailing, 
and  hinted  that,  on  his  return,  he  ought  to  find  her  more 
favourable.  The  widow  read  the  letter,  and  tossed  it  into 
the  grate  with  a  Pish !  "I  was  not  born  yesterday,  as  the 
saying  is,"  cried  the  widow  Vandersloosh. 


Chapter  XIII 

In  which  the  ship's  company  join  in  a  chorus,  and  the  corporal  goes  on  a 

cruise. 

Mr  Vanslyperken  is  in  his  cabin,  with  Snarleyyow  at  his 
side,  sitting  upon  his  haunches,  and  looking  in  his  master's 
face,  which  wears  an  air  of  anxiety  and  discomfiture  j  the 


y8  Snarleyyow;  or, 

fact  is,  that  Mr  Vanslyperken  is  anything  but  content ;  he 
is  angry  with  the  widow,  with  the  ship's  company,  with 
the  dog,  and  with  himself;  but  his  anger  towards  the  dog 
is  softened,  for  he  feels  that,  if  anything  in  this  world 
loves  him,  it  is  the  dog — not  that  his  affection  is  great, 
but  as  much  as  the  dog's  nature  will  permit ;  and,  at  all 
events,  if  the  animal's  attachment  to  him  is  not  very  strong, 
still  he  is  certain  that  Snarleyyow  hates  everybody  else. 
It  is  astonishing  how  powerful  is  the  feeling  that  is  derived 
from  habit  and  association.  Now  that  the  life  of  his  cur 
was  demanded  by  one,  and,  as  he  was  aware,  was  sought 
for  by  many,  Vanslyperken  put  a  value  upon  him  that  was 
extraordinary.  Snarleyyow  had  become  a  precious  jewel 
in  the  eyes  of  his  master,  and  what  he  suffered  in  anxiety 
and  disappointment  from  the  perverse  disposition  of  the 
animal,  only  endeared  him  the  more.  **  Yes,  my  poor 
dog,"  apostrophised  the  lieutenant,  "  they  would  seek 
your  life — nay,  that  hard-hearted  woman  demands  that 
you  should  be  laid — dead  at  her  porch.  All  conspire 
against  you,  but  be  not  afraid,  my  dog,  your  master  will 
protect  you  against  all." 

Vanslyperken  patted  the  animal  on  the  head,  which  was 
not  a  little  swelled  from  the  blows  received  from  the 
broom  of  Babette,  and  Snarleyyow  rubbed  his  nose  against 
his  master's  trousers,  and  then  raised  himself  up,  by 
putting  his  paw  upon  his  master's  knee.  This  brought 
the  dog's  head  more  to  the  light,  and  Vanslyperken 
observed  that  one  eye  was  swelled  and  closed.  He  ex- 
amined it,  and,  to  his  horror,  found  that  it  had  been  beaten 
out  by  the  broom  of  Babette.  There  was  no  doubt  of  it, 
and  Mr  Vanslyperken's  choler  was  extreme.  **  Now,  may 
all  the  curses  of  ophthalmia  seize  the  fagot,"  cried  the 
lieutenant;  "I  wish  I  had  her  here.  My  poor,  poor  dog!" 
and  Vanslyperken  kissed  the  os  frontis  of  the  cur,  and  what 
perhaps  had  never  occurred  since  childhood,  and  what 
nothing  else  could  have  brought  about,  Mr  Vanslyperken 
wept — actually  wept  over  an  animal,  which  was  not,  from 
any  qualification  he  possessed,  worth  the  charges  of  the 


The  Dog  Fiend  79 

cord  which  would  have  hanged  him.  Surely  the  afFections 
have  sometimes  a  bent  towards  insanity. 

After  a  short  time  the  lieutenant  rang  his  bell,  and 
ordered  some  warm  water,  to  bathe  the  dog's  eye. 
Corporal  Van  Spitter,  as  Smallbones  was  in  his  hammock, 
answered  the  summons,  and  when  he  returned  aft  with 
the  water,  he  made  known  to  Mr  Vanslyperken  the 
mutinous  expressions  of  Jemmy  Ducks.  The  lieutenant's 
small  eye  twinkled  with  satisfaction.  "Damned  the 
Admiral,  did  he  ! — which  one  was  it — Portsmouth  or 
Plymouth  ? " 

This,  Corporal  Van  Spitter  could  not  tell ;  but  it  was 
certain  that  Jemmy  had  damned  his  superior  officer;  **And 
moreover,"  continued  the  corporal,  **he  damned  me." 
Now  Mr  Vanslyperken  had  a  great  hatred  against  Jemmy 
Ducks,  because  he  amused  the  ship's  company,  and  he 
never  could  forgive  any  one  who  made  people  happy ; 
moreover,  he  wanted  some  object  to  visit  his  wrath  upon : 
so  he  asked  a  few  more  questions,  and  then  dismissed  the 
corporal,  put  on  his  tarpaulin  hat,  put  his  speaking-trumpet 
under  his  arm,  and  went  on  deck,  directing  the  corporal 
to  appoint  one  of  the  marines  to  continue  to  bathe  the  eye 
of  his  favourite. 

Mr  Vanslyperken  looked  at  the  dog-vane,  and  perceived 
that  the  wind  was  foul  for  sailing,  and  moreover,  it  would 
be  dark  in  two  hours,  so  he  determined  upon  not  starting 
till  the  next  morning,  and  then  he  thought  that  he  would 
punish  Jemmy  Ducks ;  but  the  question  occurred  to  him 
whether  he  could  do  so  or  not.  Was  James  Salisbury  a 
boatswain  by  right  or  not  .«*  He  received  only  the  pay 
of  a  boatswain's  mate,  but  he  was  styled  boatswain  on  the 
books.  It  was  a  nice  point,  and  the  balance  was  even. 
Mr  Vanslyperken's  own  wishes  turned  the  scale,  and 
he  resolved  to  flog  Jemmy  Ducks  if  he  could.  We  say, 
if  he  could,  for  as,  at  that  time,  tyrannical  oppression 
on  the  part  of  the  superiors  was  winked  at,  and  no 
complaints  were  listened  to  by  the  Admiralty,  insubordina- 
tion, which  was  the  natural  result,  was  equally  difficult 


8o  Snarleyyow;  or, 

to  get  over  ;  and  although  on  board  of  the  larger  vessels, 
the  strong  arm  of  power  was  certain  to  conquer,  it  was  not 
always  the  case  in  the  smaller,  where  the  superiors  were 
not  in  sufficient  force,  or  backed  by  a  numerous  party  of 
soldiers  or  marines,  for  there  was  then  little  difference 
between  the  two  services.  Mr  Vanslyperken  had  had 
more  than  one  mutiny  on  board  of  the  vessels  which  he 
had  commanded,  and,  in  one  instance,  his  whole  ship's 
company  had  taken  the  boats  and  gone  on  shore,  leaving 
him  by  himself  in  the  vessel,  preferring  to  lose  the  pay 
due  to  them,  than  to  remain  longer  on  board.  They 
joined  other  ships  in  the  service,  and  no  notice  was  taken 
of  their  conduct  by  the  authorities.  Such  was  the  state 
of  half  discipline  at  the  period  we  speak  of  in  the  service 
of  the  king.  The  ships  were,  in  every  other  point, 
equally  badly  fitted  out  and  manned  ;  peculation  of  every 
kind  was  carried  to  excess,  and  those  who  were  in 
command  thought  more  of  their  own  interest  than  of 
anything  else.  Ship's  stores  and  provisions  were  constantly 
sold,  and  the  want  of  the  former  was  frequently  the 
occasion  of  the  loss  of  the  vessel,  and  the  sacrifice  of  the 
whole  crew.  Such  maladministration  is  said  to  be  the  case 
even  now  in  some  of  the  continental  navies.  It  is  not  until 
a  long  series  of  years  have  elapsed,  that  such  regulations 
and  arrangements  as  are  at  present  so  economically  and 
beneficially  administered  to  our  navy,  can  be  fully 
established. 

Having  settled  the  point  so  far,  Mr  Vanslyperken  then 
proceeded  to  debate  in  his  own  mind,  whether  he  should 
flog  Jemmy  in  harbour,  or  after  he  had  sailed ;  and  feeling 
that  if  there  was  any  serious  disturbance  on  part  of  the 
men,  they  might  quit  the  vessel  if  in  harbour,  he  decided 
that  he  would  wait  until  he  had  them  in  blue  water.  His 
thoughts  then  reverted  to  the  widow,  and,  as  he  turned 
and  turned  again,  he  clenched  his  fists  in  his  great-coat 
pockets,  and  was  heard  by  those  near  him  to  grind  his 
teeth. 

In  the  meantime,  the  news  had  been  imparted  by  the 


The  Dog  Fiend  8i 

marine,  who  came  up  into  the  galley  for  more  warm  water, 
that  the  dog  had  had  one  of  his  eyes  put  out,  and  it  was 
strange  the  satisfaction  which  this  intelligence  appeared  to 
give  to  the  ship's  company.  It  was  passed  round  like 
wildfire,  and,  when  communicated,  a  beam  of  pleasure  was 
soon  apparent  throughout  the  whole  cutter,  and  for  this 
simple  reason,  that  the  accident  removed  the  fear  arising 
from  the  supposition  of  the  dog  being  supernatural,  for  the 
men  argued,  and  with  some  reason,  that  if  you  could  put 
out  his  eye,  you  could  kill  him  altogether ;  for  if  you 
could  destroy  a  part,  you  could  destroy  the  whole.  No 
one  ever  heard  of  the  devil's  eye  being  put  out — ergOy  the 
dog  could  not  be  a  devil,  or  one  of  his  imps :  so  argued  a 
knot  of  the  men  in  conclave,  and  Jansen  wound  up  by 
observing,  "  Dat  de  tog  was  only  a  tog  after  all." 

Vanslyperken  returned  to  his  cabin  and  stated  his  in- 
tentions to  his  factotum  and  confidant.  Corporal  Van 
Spitter.  Now,  in  this  instance,  the  corporal  did  not 
adhere  to  that  secrecy  to  which  he  was  bound,  and  the 
only  reason  we  can  give  is,  that  he  had  as  great  a  dislike 
to  jemmy  Ducks  as  his  lieutenant — for  the  corporal  obeyed 
orders  so  exactly,  that  he  considered  it  his  duty  not  to 
have  even  an  opinion  or  a  feeling  contrary  to  those  of 
his  superior  officer.  He  was  delighted  at  the  idea  of 
flogging  Jemmy,  and  communicated  the  lieutenant's  in- 
tention to  the  most  favoured  of  his  marines,  who  also 
told  the  secret  to  another,  and  thus  in  five  minutes,  it 
was  known  throughout  the  cutter,  that  as  soon  as  they 
were  in  blue  water,  the  little  boatswain  was  to  be  tied 
up  for  having  damned  the  admiral  in  a  snow-storm.  The 
consequence  was,  as  the  evening  was  clear,  that  there 
was  a  very  numerous  assemblage  upon  the  forecastle  of 
the  cutter  Tungfrau, 

"Flog  Jemmy,"  said  Bill  Spurey.  "Why,  Jemmy's 
a  hofficer." 

"  To  be  sure  he  is,"  observed  another ;  "  and  quite  as 
good  a  one  as  Vanslyperken  himself,  though  he  don't 
wear  brass  on  his  hat," 


a/ 


V9 

V 


82  Snarleyyow;  or, 

''D— n  it — what  next— heh,  Coble?" 

Coble  hitched  up  his  trousers.  "  It's  my  opinion  he'll 
be  for  flogging  us  next,  Short,"  said  the  old  man. 

*' Yes,"  replied  Short. 

**  Shall  we  allow  Jemmy  to  be  flogged  ? " 

"  No,"  replied  Short. 

"If  it  warn't  for  them  'ere  marines,  and  the  lumpy 
beggar  of  a  corporal,"  observed  one  of  the  seamen. 

"Pish,"  quoth  Jemmy,  who  was  standing  among  them. 

"Won't  he  make  it  out  mutiny  ? "  observed  Spurey. 

"  Mein  Gott !  it  was  mutiny  to  flog  de  officer,"  said 
Jansen. 

"  That's  very  true,"  observed  another. 

"But  Jemmy  can't  stand  against  the  fat  corporal  and 
the  six  marines,"  observed  Bill  Spurey. 

"  One  up  and  t'other  down,  I'll  take  them  all,"  observed 
Jemmy,  expanding  his  chest. 

"  Yes,  but  they'll  all  be  down  upon  you  at  once,  Jemmy." 

"  If  they  lays  their  hands  upon  an  officer,"  observed 
Coble,  "  it  will  be  mutiny ;  and  then  Jemmy  calls  in  the 
ship's  company  to  protect  him." 

"  Exactly,"  observed  Jemmy. 

"  And  den,  mein  Gott,  I  zettle  for  de  corporal," 
observed  Jansen. 

"  I'll  play  him  a  trick  yet." 

"But  now,  it's  no  use  palavering,"  observed  Spurey; 
"  let's  come  to  some  settlement.  Obadiah,  give  us  your 
opinion  as  to  what's  best  to  be  done." 

Hereupon  Coble  squirted  out  a  modicum  of 'baccy  juice, 
wiped  his  mouth  with  the  back  of  his  hand,  and  said, 
"  It's  my  opinion,  that  the  best  way  of  getting  one  man 
out  of  a  scrape,  is  to  get  all  the  rest  in  it.  Jemmy,  d'ye 
see,  is  to  be  hauled  up  for  singing  an  old  song,  in  which 
a  wench  very  properly  damns  the  admiral  for  sending  a 
ship  out  on  a  Christmas-day,  which,  let  alone  the  un- 
christian-like act,  as  you  may  know,  my  lads,  always  turns 
up  on  a  Friday,  a  day  on  which  nothing  but  being  blown 
out  from  your  anchors  can  warrant  any  vessel  sailing  on. 


The  Dog  Fiend  83 

Now,  d'ye  see,  it  may  be  mutiny  to  damn  a  live  admiral, 
with  his  flag  hoisted — I  won't  say  but  what  it  is — but 
this  here  admiral  as  Jemmy  damned,  is  no  more  alive  than 
a  stock  fish ;  and,  moreover,  it  is  not  Jemmy  as  damns 
him,  but  Poll;  therefore  it  can  be  no  mutiny.  Now, 
what  I  consider  best  is  this,  if  so  be  it  be  against  the 
articles — well,  then,  let's  all  be  in  for  it  together,  and 
then  Vanslyperken  will  be  puzzled,  and,  moreover,  it 
will  give  him  a  hint  how  matters  stand,  and  he  may  think 
better  of  it ;  for  although  we  must  not  have  Jemmy 
touched,  still  it's  quite  as  well  not  to  have  a  regular 
breeze  with  the  jollies ;  for  if  so  be  that  the  Scarborough, 
or  any  other  king's  ship,  be  in  port  when  we  arrive, 
Vanslyperken  may  run  under  the  guns,  and  then  whip 
the  whole  boiling  of  us  off  to  the  Ingies,  and  glad  to 
get  us,  too,  and  that's  no  joke.  Now,  that's  my  idea  of 
the  matter." 

"Well,  but  you've  not  told  us  how  we  are  all  to  get 
into  it.  Coble." 

"  More  I  have — well,  that's  funny ;  left  out  the  whole 
burden  of  my  song.  Why,  I  consider  that  we  had  better 
now  directly  sing  the  song  over  again,  all  in  chorus,  and 
then  we  shall  have  damned  the  admiral  a  dozen  times 
over ;  and  Vanslyperken  will  hear  us,  and  say  to  himself, 
*  They  don't  sing  that  song  for  nothing.'  What  do  you 
say,  Dick  Short,  you're  first  hofficer  ?  " 

**  Yes,"  replied  Short. 

**  Hurrah !  my  lads,  then,"  cried  Bill  Spurey  ;  "  now 
then,  strike  up.  Jemmy,  and  let  us  give  it  lots  of 
mouth." 

The  song  which  our  readers  have  already  heard  from 
the  lips  of  Jemmy  Ducks,  was  then  sung  by  the  whole  of 
the  men,  con  animo  e  strepito,  and  two  verses  had  been 
roared  out,  when  Corporal  Van  Spitter,  in  great  agitation, 
presented  himself  at  the  cabin  door,  where  he  found  Mr 
Vanslyperken  very  busy  summing  up  his  accounts. 

"  Mein  Gott,  sar  !  dere  is  de  mutiny  in  de  Tungfrau^'* 
cried  the  corporal. 


84  Snarleyyow;  or, 

**  Mutiny  !  "  cried  Vanslyperken,  catching  at  his  sword, 
which  hung  up  on  the  bulk-head. 

"  Yaw,  mynheer  —  de  mutiny  —  hear  now  de  ship's 
company." 

Vanslyperken  lent  his  ears,  when  the  astounding  chorus 
came  rolling  aft  through  the  door  of  the  cabin, 

"  I'll  give  you  a  bit  of  my  mind,  old  hunks, 
Port  Admiral — you  be  d d." 

"  Bow,  WOW,  wow,"  barked  Snarleyyow. 

**  "Why,  it's  the  whole  ship's  company  !  "  cried  Vansly- 
perken. 

"  All  but  de  Corporal  Van  Spitter,  and  de  six  marines," 
replied  the  corporal,  raising  his  hand  up  to  his  head  a  la 
milttaire, 

**  Shut  the  door,  corporal.  This  is  indeed  mutiny  and 
defiance,"  cried  Vanslyperken,  jumping  up  from  his  chair. 

"  It  is  von  tyfel  of  a  song,"  replied  the  corporal. 

**  I  must  find  out  the  ringleaders,  corporal ;  do  you 
think  that  you  could  contrive  to  overhear  what  they  say 
after  the  song  is  over  ?  they  will  be  consulting  together, 
and  we  might  find  out  something." 

"  Mynheer,  I'm  not  very  small  for  to  creep  in  and 
listen,"  replied  the  corporal,  casting  his  eyes  down  upon 
his  huge  carcass. 

"  Are  they  all  forward  ? "  inquired  the  lieutenant. 

"  Yes,  mynheer — not  one  soul  baft." 

**  There  is  the  small  boat  astern ;  do  you  think  you 
could  get  softly  into  it,  haul  it  up  to  the  bows,  and  lie 
there  quite  still  ?  You  would  then  hear  what  they  said, 
without  their  thinking  of  it,  now  that  it  is  dark." 

"  I  will  try,  mynheer,"  replied  the  corporal,  who  quitted 
the  cabin. 

But  there  were  others  who  condescended  to  listen  as 
well  as  the  corporal,  and  in  this  instance,  every  word 
which  had  passed,  had  been  overheard  by  Smallbones, 
who  had  been  for  some  hours  out  of  his  hammock.    When 


The  Dog  Fiend  85 

the  corporal's  hand  touched  the  lock  of  the  door,  Small- 
bones  made  a  hasty  retreat. 

Corporal  Van  Spitter  went  on  the  quarter-deck,  which 
he  found  vacant ;  he  hauled  up  the  boat  to  the  counter, 
and  by  degrees  lowered  into  it  his  unwieldy  carcass,  which 
almost  swamped  the  little  conveyance.  He  then  waited 
a  little,  and  with  difficulty  forced  the  boat  up  against  the 
strong  flood-tide  that  was  running,  till  at  last  he  gained 
the  chesstree  of  the  cutter,  when  he  shortened  in  the 
painter  (or  rope  that  held  the  boat),  made  it  fast  to  a  ring- 
bolt without  being  perceived,  and  there  he  lay  concealed, 
not  daring  to  move,  for  fear  of  making  a  noise. 

Smallbones  had,  however,  watched  him  carefully,  and  as 
the  corporal  sat  in  the  middle  thwart,  with  his  face  turned 
aft,  catching  but  imperfectly  the  conversation  of  the  men, 
the  lad  separated  the  painter  with  a  sharp  knife,  and  at  the 
same  time  dropping  his  foot  down,  gave  the  bow  of  the 
boat  a  shove  off,  which  made  it  round  with  the  stream. 
The  tide  was  then  running  five  or  six  miles  an  hour,  and 
before  the  corporal,  in  the  utter  darkness,  could  make  out 
what  had  occurred,  or  raise  his  heavy  carcass  to  assist 
himself,  he  was  whirled  away  by  the  current  clear  of  the 
vessel,  and  soon  disappeared  from  the  sight  of  Smallbones, 
who  was  watching  his  progress. 

It  is  true  that  the  corporal  shouted  for  assistance  when 
he  found  himself  astern,  and  also  that  he  was  heard  by  the 
men,  but  Smallbones  had  leaped  among  them,  and  in  a  few 
words  told  them  what  he  had  done  ;  so  of  course  they  took 
no  notice,  but  rubbed  their  hands  with  delight  at  the  idea 
of  the  corporal  being  adrift  like  a  bear  in  a  washing-tub, 
and  they  all  prayed  for  a  gale  of  wind  to  come  on  that  he 
might  be  sv/amped,  and  most  of  them  remained  on  deck  to 
hear  what  Mr  Vanslyperken  would  say  and  do  when  the 
corporal's  absence  was  discovered.  Mr  Vanslyperken 
remained  nearly  two  hours  without  sending  for  the 
corporal ;  at  last,  surprised  at  not  seeing  him  return,  he 
went  on  deck.  The  men  on  the  forecastle  perceiving  this, 
immediately  disappeared  gently  down  the  fore-hatchway. 


86  Snarleyyow ;  or, 

Mr  Vanslyperken  walked  forward  and  found  that  every  one 
was,  as  he  supposed,  either  in  bed  or  below ;  for  in 
harbour  the  corporal  kept  one  of  the  watches,  and  this 
night  it  was  his  first  watch.  Vanslyperken  looked  over 
the  side  all  round  the  cutter,  and  could  see  no  boat  and  no 
Corporal  Van  Spitter,  and  it  immediately  occurred  to  him 
that  the  corporal  must  have  gone  adrift,  and  he  was  very 
much  puzzled  how  to  act.  It  would  be  flood-tide  for  two 
hours  more,  and  then  the  whole  ebb  would  run  before  it  was 
daylight.  Corporal  Van  Spitter  would  traverse  the  whole 
Zuyder  Zee  before  they  might  find  him.  Unless  he  had 
the  fortune  to  be  picked  up  by  some  small  craft,  he  might 
perish  with  cold  and  hunger.  He  could  not  sail  without 
him  ;  for  what  could  he  do  without  Corporal  Van  Spitter, 
his  protection,  his  factotum,  his  distributer  of  provisions,. 
&c.  The  loss  was  irreparable,  and  Mr  Vanslyperken ,- 
when  he  thought  of  the  loss  of  the  widow's  favour  and  the 
loss  of  his  favourite,  acknowledged  with  bitterness  that  his 
star  was  not  in  the  ascendant.  After  some  reflection,  Mr 
Vanslyperken  thought  that  as  nothing  could  be  gained  by 
making  the  fact  known,  the  wisest  thing  that  he  could  da 
was  to  go  to  bed  and  say  nothing  about  it,  leaving  the 
whole  of  the  ulterior  proceedings  until  the  loss  of  the  boat 
should  be  reported  to  him  in  the  morning.  Having 
arranged  this  in  his  mind,  Mr  Vanslyperken  took  two  or 
three  turns  more,  and  then  went  down  and  turned  in. 


Chapter  XIV 

In  which  some  new  characters  appear  on  the  stage,  although  the  corporal 
is  not  to  be  heard  of. 

The  loss  of  the  boat  was  reported  by  Obadiah  Coble  at 
daylight,  and  Mr  Vanslyperken  immediately  went  on  deck 
with  his  spy-glass  to  ascertain  if  he  could  distinguish  the 
corporal  coming  down  with  the  last  of  the  ebb-tide  but 
he  was  nowhere  to  be  seen.     Mr  Vanslyperken  went  to 


The  Dog  Fiend  87 

the  mast-head  and  surveyed  in  every  direction,  but  he 
could  neither  see  anything  like  the  boat  or  Corporal 
Van  Spitter.  His  anxiety  betrayed  to  the  men  that  he  was 
a  party  to  the  corporal's  proceedings,  and  they  whispered 
among  themselves.  At  last  Mr  Vanslyperken  came  down 
on  deck,  and  desired  Corporal  Van  Spitter  to  be  sent  to  him. 
Of  course,  it  was  soon  reported  to  him  that  Corporal 
Van  Spitter  was  nowhere  to  be  found,  and  Mr  Vansly- 
perken pretended  to  be  much  astonished.  As  the  lieu- 
tenant took  it  for  granted  that  the  boat  had  been  swept 
out  with  the  ebb,  he  determined  to  get  under  weigh  in 
pursuance  of  his  orders,  pick  up  the  corporal,  if  he  could 
find  him,  and  then  proceed  to  Portsmouth,  which  was  the 
port  of  his  destination.  Smallbones  attended  his  master, 
and  was  so  unusually  active  that  the  suspicious  Mr 
Vanslyperken  immediately  decided  that  he  had  had  a  finger 
in  the  business  ;  but  he  took  no  notice,  resolving  in  his  own 
mind  that  Smallbones  should  some  day  or  another  be 
adrift  himself  as  the  corporal  was,  but  with  this  difference, 
that  there  should  be  no  search  made  after  him.  As  soon 
as  the  men  had  finished  their  breakfasts,  the  cutter  was  got 
under  weigh  and  proceeded  to  sea.  During  the  whole 
day  Vanslyperken  cruised  in  the  Zuyder  Zee  looking  for 
the  boat,  but  without  success,  and  at  last  he  unwillingly 
shaped  his  course  for  England,  much  puzzled  and  per- 
plexed, as  now  he  had  no  one  to  act  as  his  steward  to 
whom  he  could  confide,  or  by  whose  arrangements  he  could 
continue  to  defraud  the  ship's  company ;  and,  farther,  he 
was  obliged  to  put  off*  for  the  present  all  idea  of  punishing 
Jemmy  Ducks,  for,  without  the  corporal,  the  marines  were 
afraid  to  move  a  step  in  defiance  of  the  ship's  company.' 
The  consequence  was,  that  the  three  days  that  they  were 
at  sea,  Mr  Vanslyperken  confined  himself  altogether  to  his 
cabin,  for  he  was  not  without  some  fears  for  his  own 
safety.  On  his  arrival  at  Portsmouth,  he  delivered  his 
letters  to  the  admiral,  and  received  orders  to  return  to  his 
cruising  ground  after  the  smugglers  as  soon  as  he  had 
replaced  his  lost  boat. 


SB  Snarleyyow;  or, 

We  have  observed  that  Mr  Vanslyperken  had  no  relations 
on  this  side  of  the  water  ;  but  in  saying  that,  we  referred 
to  the  epoch  that  he  was  in  the  service  previous  to  the 
accession  of  King  WilUam.  Since  that,  and  about  a  year 
from  the  time  we  are  now  writing  about,  he  had  brought 
over  his  mother,  whom  he  had  not,  till  the  peace,  seen  for 
years,  and  had  established  her  in  a  small  apartment  in  that 
part  of  the  town  now  known  by  the  name  of  the  Halfway 
Houses.  The  old  woman  lived  upon  a  small  pension 
allowed  by  the  Dutch  court,  having  been  employed  for 
many  years  in  a  subordinate  capacity  in  the  king's  house- 
hold. She  was  said  to  have  once  been  handsome,  and  when 
young,  prodigal  of  her  favours  j  at  present  she  was  a  palsied 
old  woman,  bent  double  with  age  and  infirmity,  but  with 
all  her  faculties  as  complete  as  if  she  was  in  her  prime. 
Nothing  could  escape  her  little  twinkling  bloodshot  eyes,  or 
her  acute  ear  ;  she  could  scarcely  hobble  fifty  yards,  but 
she  kept  no  servant  to  assist  her,  for,  like  her  son,  she 
was  avaricious  in  the  extreme.  What  crime  she  had  com- 
mitted was  not  known,  but  that  something  lay  heavy  on 
her  conscience  was  certain  j  but  if  there  was  guilt,  there 
was  no  repentance,  only  fear  of  future  punishment. 
Cornelius  Vanslyperken  was  her  only  living  child :  she 
had  been  twice  married.  The  old  woman  did  not  appear 
to  be  very  fond  of  him,  although  she  treated  him  still  as  a 
child,  and  executed  her  parental  authority  as  if  he  were 
still  in  petticoats.  Her  coming  over  was  a  sort  of  mutual 
convenience.  She  had  saved  money,  and  Vanslyperken 
wished  to  secure  that,  and  also  have  a  home  and  a  person 
to  whom  he  could  trust ;  and  she  was  so  abhorred,  and 
the  reports  against  her  so  shocking  where  she  resided, 
that  she  was  glad  to  leave  a  place  where  every  one,  as  she 
passed,  would  get  out  of  her  way,  as  if  to  avoid  contamina- 
tion. Yet  these  reports  were  vague,  although  hinting  at 
some  horrid  and  appalling  crimes.  No  one  knew  what 
they  exactly  were,  for  the  old  woman  had  outlived  her 
contemporaries,  and  the  tradition  was  imperfect,  but  she 
had  been  handed  down  to  the  next  generation  as  one  to  be 
avoided  as  a  basilisk. 


The  Dog  Fiend  89 

It  was  to  his  mother's  abode,  one  room  on  the  second 
floor,  to  which  Mr  Vanslyperken  proceeded  as  soon  as  he 
had  taken  the  necessary  steps  for  the  replacing  of  the 
boat.  As  he  ascended  the  stairs,  the  quick  ear  of  the  old 
woman  heard  his  footstep,  and  recognised  it.  It  must  be 
observed,  that  all  the  conversation  between  Vanslyperken 
and  his  mother  was  carried  on  in  Dutch,  of  which  we,  of 
course,  give  the  translation. 

**  There  you  come,  Cornelius  Vanslyperken ;  I  hear 
you,  and  by  your  hurried  tread  you  are  vexed.  Well, 
why  should  you  not  be  vexed  as  well  as  your  mother,  in 
this  world  of  devils  ? " 

This  was  a  soliloquy  of  the  old  woman's  before  that 
Vanslyperken  had  entered  the  room,  where  he  found  his 
mother  sitting  over  a  few  cinders  half  ignited  in  a  very 
small  grate.  Parsimony  would  not  allow  her  to  use  more 
fuel,  although  her  limbs  trembled  as  much  from  cold  as 
palsy ;  her  nose  and  chin  nearly  met ;  her  lips  were  like 
old  scars,  and  of  an  ashy  white ;  and  her  sunken  hollow 
mouth  reminded  you  of  a  small,  deep,  dark  sepulchre  ; 
teeth  she  had  none. 

"  How  fare  you,  mother  ? "  said  Vanslyperken  on  enter- 
ing the  room. 

**  I'm  alive." 

**  And  long  may  you  live,  dear  mother." 

**  Ah,"  replied  the  woman,  as  if  doubting. 

"  I  am  here  but  for  a  short  time,"  continued  Van- 
slyperken. 

"  Well,  child,  so  much  the  better ;  when  on  board  you 
save  money,  on  shore  you  must  spend  some.  Have  you 
brought  any  with  you  ?  " 

^*  1  have,  mother,  which  I  must  leave  to  your  care." 

"  Give  it  me  then." 

Vanslyperken  pulled  out  a  bag  and  laid  it  on  the  lap  of 
his  mother,  whose  trembling  hands  counted  it  over. 

*'  Gold,  and  good  gold — while  you  live,  my  child,  part 
not  with  gold.  I'll  not  die  yet — no,  no,  the  devils  may 
pull  at  me,  and  grin  at  me,  but  I'm  not  theirs  yet." 


90  Snarleyyow;  or, 

Here  the  old  woman  paused,  and  rocked  herself  in  her 
chair. 

**  Cornelius,  lock  this  money  up  and  give  me  the  key  : — 
there,  now  that  is  safe,  you  may  talk,  if  you  please,  child : 
I  can  hear  well  enough." 

Vanslyperken  obeyed;  he  mentioned  all  the  events  of 
the  last  cruise,  and  his  feelings  against  the  widow,  Small- 
bones,  and  Jemmy  Ducks.  The  old  woman  never  inter- 
rupted him,  but  sat  with  her  arms  folded  up  in  her 
apron. 

"  Just  so,  just  so,"  said  she,  at  last,  when  he  had  done 
speaking ;  "I  felt  the  same,  but  then  you  have  not  the 
soul  to  act  as  I  did.  I  could  do  it,  but  you — you  are  a 
coward ;  no  one  dared  cross  my  path,  or  if  they  did — ah, 
well,  that's  years  ago,  and  I'm  not  dead  yet." 

All  this  was  muttered  by  the  old  woman  in  a  sort  of 
half  soliloquy  :  she  paused  and  continued,  "  Better  leave 
the  boy  alone, — get  nothing  by  it ; — the  woman — there's 
work  there,  for  there's  money." 

"But  she  refuses,  mother,  if  I  do  not  destroy  the  dog." 

**  Refuses — ah,  well — let  me  see: — can't  you  ruin  her 
character,  blast  her  reputation ;  she  is  yours  and  her  money 
too ; — then,  then — there  will  be  money  and  revenge — both 
good  ; — but  money — no — yes,  money's  best.  The  dog 
must  live,  to  gnaw  the  Jezebel — gnaw  her  bones — but 
you,  you  are  a  coward — you  dare  do  nothing." 

"  What  do  I  fear,  mother  ?  " 

"  Man — the  gallows,  and  death.  I  fear  the  last,  but  I 
shall  not  die  yet  : — no,  no,  I  luill  live — I  will  not  die.  Ay, 
the  corporal — lost  in  Zuyder  Zee — dead  men  tell  no  tales  ; 
and  he  could  tell  many  of  you,  my  child.  Let  the  fish 
fatten  on  him." 

"  I  cannot  do  without  him,  mother." 

"  A  hundred  thousand  devils  !  "  exclaimed  the  old 
mother,  "  that  I  should  have  suffered  such  throes  for  a 
craven.  Cornelius  Vanslyperken,  you  are  not  like  your 
mother  : — your  father,  indeed " 

"  Who  was  my  father  ?  " 


The  Dog  Fiend  91 

*'  Silence,  child, — there,  go  away — I  wish  to  be  alone 
with  memory." 

Vanslyperken,  who  knew  that  resistance  or  remonstrance 
would  be  useless,  and  only  lead  to  bitter  cursing  and 
imprecation  on  the  part  of  the  old  woman,  rose  and 
walked  back  to  the  sallyport,  where  he  slipped  into  his 
boat  and  pulled  on  board  of  the  Tungfrau,  which  lay  at 
anchor  in  the  harbour,  about  a  cable's  length  from  the 
shore. 

"  Here  he  comes,"  cried  a  tall  bony  woman,  with  nothing 
on  her  head  but  a  cap  with  green  faded  ribbons,  who  was 
standing  on  the  forecastle  of  the  cutter.  "  Here  he  comes  ; 
— he,  the  willain,  as  would  have  flogged  my  Jemmy."  This 
was  the  wife  of  Jemmy  Ducks,  who  lived  at  Portsmouth, 
and  who,  having  heard  what  had  taken  place,  vowed 
revenge. 

"  Silence,  Moggy,"  said  Jemmy,  who  was  standing  by 
her. 

**  Yes,  I'll  hold  my  tongue  till  the  time  comes,  and  then 
ril  sarve  him  out,  the  cheating  wagabond." 

"  Silence,  Moggy." 

"  And  as  for  that  'peaching  old  Corporal  Blubber,  I'll 
Wan  Spitter  him  if  ever  he  turns  up  again  to  blow  the  gaff 
against  my  own  dear  Jemmy." 

"  Silence,  Moggy — there's  rowed  of  all,  and  a  marine  at 
your  elbow." 

**  Let  him  take  that  for  his  trouble,"  cried  Moggy, 
turning  round,  and  delivering  a  swinging  box  of  the  ear 
upon  the  astonished  marine,  who  not  liking  to  encounter 
such  an  Amazon,  made  a  hasty  retreat  down  the  fore- 
hatchway. 

"  So  there  you  are,  are  you  ? "  continued  Moggy,  as 
Vanslyperken  stepped  on  the  deck. 

"  Silence,  Moggy." 

"  You,  that  would  flog  my  own  dear  darling  duck — my 
own  Jemmy." 

'* Silence!  Moggy,  will  you?"  said  Jemmy  Ducks,  in 
an  angry  tone,  **  or  I'll  smash  your  peepers." 


92  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"  You  must  climb  on  the  gun  to  reach  them,  my  little 
man,"  replied  his  wife.  "Well,  the  more  I  holds  my 
tongue  now,  the  more  for  him  when  I  gets  hold  on  him. 
Oh  !  he's  gone  to  his  cabin,  has  he,  to  kiss  his  Snarley- 
yow:— I'll  make  smallhones  of  that  beast  afore  I'm  done 
with  him.  Flog  my  Jemmy — my  own,  dear,  darling 
Jemmy — a  nasty  lean " 

**  Go  down  below.  Moggy,"  said  Jemmy  Ducks,  push- 
ing her  towards  the  hatchway. 

"  Snivelling,  great-coated " 

"  Go  below,"  continued  Jemmy,  shoving  her. 

"  Ferret-eyed,  razor-nosed " 

"Go  down  below,  will  you?"  cried  Jemmy,  pushing 
her  near  to  the  hatchway. 

"  Herring-gutted,  bare-poled " 

"  Confound  it !  go  below." 

"  Cheating  rip  of  a  wagabond  !  Lord,  Jemmy,  if  you 
a'n't  a  shoved  me  down  the  hatchway !  Well,  never 
mind,  my  darling,  let's  go  to  supper ; "  and  Moggy  caught 
hold  of  her  husband  as  she  was  going  down,  and  with 
surprising  strength  lifted  him  off  his  legs  and  carried  him 
down  in  her  arms  as  she  would  have  done  a  child,  much 
to  the  amusement  of  the  men  who  were  standing  on  the 
forecastle. 

When  it  was  dusk,  a  boat  dropped  alongside  of  the 
cutter,  and  a  man  stepped  out  of  it  on  the  deck,  when 
he  was  met  by  Obadiah  Coble,  who  asked  him,  "  What's 
your  pleasure  ? " 

"I  must  speak  with  the  commander  of  this  vessel 
directly." 

"Wait  a  moment,  and  I'U  tell  him  what  you  say," 
replied  Coble,  who  reported  the  message  to  Mr  Van- 
slyperken. 

"  What  sort  of  a  person  is  he  ? "  demanded  the  lieu- 
tenant. 

"  Oh,  I  don't  know, — sort  of  half-bred,  long-shore 
chap — looks  something  between  a  bumbailey  and  a  bum- 
boatman." 


The  Dog  Fiend  93 

"  Well,  you  may  show  him  down." 

The  man,  who  shortly  after  entered  the  cabin,  was  a 
short,  punchy  little  fellow,  with  a  red  waistcoat,  knee- 
breeches,  and  a  round  jacket  of  green  cloth.  His  face 
was  covered  with  carbuncles,  some  of  them  so  large  that 
his  small  pug-nose  was  nothing  more  in  appearance  than 
a  larger  blotch  than  the  others.  His  eyes  were  small  and 
keen,  and  his  whiskers  of  a  deep  red.  As  soon  as  he 
entered  the  cabin,  he  very  deliberately  locked  the  door 
after  him. 

"  Nothing  like  making  sure,"  observed  he. 

"  Why,  what  the  devil  do  you  want  ? "  exclaimed 
Vanslyperken,  rather  alarmed;  while  Snarleyyow  walked 
round  and  round  the  thick  calves  of  the  man's  legs, 
growling,  and  in  more  than  two  minds  to  have  a  bite 
through  his  blue  worsted  stockings ;  and  the  peculiar 
obliquity  with  which  he  carried  his  head,  now  that  he 
surveyed  with  only  one  eye,  was  by  no  means  satis- 
factory. 

"  Take  your  cur  away,  and  let  us  proceed  to  business, 
for  there  is  no  time  to  lose,"  said  the  man  coolly,  taking 
a  chair.  "Now  there  can  be  no  eavesdropping,  I  trust, 
for  my  life  may  be  forfeited,  if  I'm  discovered." 

"I  cannot  understand  a  word  of  all  this,"  replied 
Vanslyperken,  much  surprised. 

**  In  a  few  words,  do  you  want  to  put  some  five 
thousand  pounds  in  your  pocket  ? " 

At  this  question  Vanslyperken  became  attentive.  He 
beat  off  the  dog,  and  took  a  chair  by  the  side  of  the 
stranger. 

"  Ah !  interest  will  always  bring  civility ;  so  now  to 
the  point.     You  command  this  cutter,  do  you  not .?  " 

"I  do,"  replied  Vanslyperken. 

**  Well,  you  are  about  to  cruise  after  the  smugglers  ? " 

"  Yes." 

"  I  can  give  information  of  a  cargo  to  be  landed  on  a 
certain  night  worth  ten  thousand  pounds  or  more." 

'*  Indeed  !  "  replied  Vanslyperken. 


94  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"  Yes,  and  put  your  boats  in  such  a  position  that  they 
must  seize  the  whole." 

"  Tm  very  much  obliged  to  you.  Will  you  take  some- 
thing, sir,  any  scheedam  ? "  said  Vanslyperken,  unlocking 
one  of  his  cupboards,  and  producing  a  large  stone  bottle, 
and  a  couple  of  glasses,  which  he  filled. 

"This  is  very  good  stuiF,"  observed  the  man;  **ril 
trouble  you  for  another  glass." 

**  This  was  one  more  than  Mr  Vanslyperken  intended ; 
but  on  second  thoughts,  it  would  make  his  new  acquaint- 
ance more  communicative,  so  another  was  filled,  and  as 
soon  as  it  was  filled,  it  was  emptied. 

"  Capital  stuff!  "  said  he  of  the  rubicund  face,  shoving 
his  glass  towards  Vanslyperken,  by  way  of  hint ;  but  the 
lieutenant  would  not  take  the  hint,  as  his  new  guest  had 
already  swallowed  as  much  as  lasted  himself  for  a  week. 

**But  now,"  observed  Vanslyperken,  "where  is  this 
cargo  to  be  seen,  and  when  ? " 

"  That's  tellings,"  replied  the  man. 

**  I  know  that ;  but  you  have  come  to  tell,  or  what  the 
devil  else  ? "  replied  Vanslyperken,  who  was  getting 
angry. 

"  That's  according,"  replied  the  man. 

"  According  to  what  ? " 

"  The  snacks,"  replied  the  man.  "  What  will  you 
give  up  ? " 

"  Give  up  !     How  do  you  mean  ?  " 

"  What  is  my  share  to  be  ? " 

"  Share  !  you  can't  share — you're  not  a  king's  officer." 

**  No,  but  I'm  an  informer,  and  that's  the  same  thing." 

"Well,  depend  upon  it,  I'll  behave  very  liberally." 

"  How  much,  I  ask  ? " 

"  We'll  see  to  that  afterwards ;  something  handsome, 
depend  upon  it." 

"  That  won't  do.  Wish  you  good-evening,  sir.  Many 
thanks  for  the  scheedam — capital  stuff!  "  and  the  man 
rose  from  his  chair. 

But  Mr  Vanslyperken  had  no  intention  to  let  him  go  •, 


The  Dog  Fiend  95 

his  avarice  induced  him  at  first  to  try  if  the  man  would 
be  satisfied  with  his  promise  to  reward  him — a  promise 
which  would  certainly  never  have  been  adhered  to. 

**  Stop  !  my  dear  sir,  do  not  be  in  such  a  hurry.  Take 
another  glass." 

"With  pleasure,"  replied  the  man,  re-seating  himself, 
and  drinking  off  the  scheedam.  **  That's  really  prime  •, 
I  like  it  better  every  time  I  taste  it.  Now,  then,  shall 
we  go  to  business  again  ?  I'll  be  plain  with  you.  Half 
is  my  conditions,  or  I  don't  inform." 

**Half!"  exclaimed  Vanslyperken ;  **  half  of  ten 
thousand  pounds  ?     What,  five  thousands  pounds  ? " 

**  Exactly  so ;  half  of  ten  is  five,  as  you  say," 

"  What,  give  you  five  thousand  pounds  ? " 

*'I  rather  think  it  is  I  who  offer  you  five  thousand,  for 
the  devil  a  penny  will  you  get  without  me.  And  that 
I  will  have,  and  this  bond  you  must  sign  to  that  effect, 
or  I'm  off.     You're  not  the  only  vessel  in  the  harbour." 

Vanslyperken  tried  for  some  time  to  reduce  the  terms, 
but  the  man  was  positive.  Vanslyperken  then  tried  if  he 
could  not  make  the  man  intoxicated,  and  thus  obtain 
better  terms  -,  but  fifteen  glasses  of  his  prime  scheedam 
had  no  effect  further  than  extorting  unqualified  praise  as 
It  was  poured  down,  and  at  last  Mr  Vanslyperken  un- 
willingly consented  to  the  terms,  and  the  bond  was 
signed. 

"  We  must  weigh  at  the  ebb,"  said  the  man,  as  he  put 
the  bond  in  his  pocket.  **  I  shall  stay  on  board ;  we 
have  a  moonlight  night,  and  if  we  had  not,  I  could  find 
my  way  out  in  a  yellow  fog.  Please  to  get  your  boats 
all  ready,  manned  and  armed,  for  there  may  be  a  sharp 
tussle." 

"  But  when  do  they  run,  and  where  ? "  demanded 
Vanslyperken. 

"  To-morrow  night  at  the  back  of  the  Isle.  Let  me 
see,"  continued  the  man,  taking  out  his  watch ;  "  mercy 
on  me !  how  time  has  flown — that's  the  scheedam.  In 
a  couple  of  hours  we  must  weigh.     I'll  go  up  and  see  if 


g6  Snarleyyow;  or, 

the  wind  holds  in  the  same  quarter.  If  you  please^ 
lieutenant,  we'll  just  drink  success  to  the  expedition. 
Well,  that's  prime  stuff,  I  do  declare." 


Chapter  XV 

In   which  the   crew  of  the  Tungfrau  lose  a  good  prize,  and  Snarleyyow 
loses  his  character. 

The  next  morning  the  Tungfrau  was  clear  of  St  Helens, 
and  sounding  the  eastern  part  of  the  Isle  of  Wight,  after 
which  she  made  sail  into  the  offing,  that  she  might  not  be 
suspected  by  those  on  shore  waiting  to  receive  the  cargo. 
The  weather  was  fine,  and  the  water  smooth,  and  as  soon 
as  she  was  well  out,  the  cutter  was  hove-to.  In  the  hurry 
of  weighing,  Mr  Vanslyperken  had  not  thought,  or  had 
not  known  perhaps,  that  the  wife  of  Jemmy  Ducks  was 
still  on  board,  and  as  he  was  turning  up  and  down  on  the 
quarter-deck,  he  perceived  her  on  the  forecastle,  laughing 
and  talking  with  the  men. 

"  What  woman  is  that  ? "  said  he  to  Jansen,  who  was 
at  the  wheel. 

**  De  frau,  mynheer.     Dat  is  de  frau  of  Shimmy  Duk.'* 

**  How  dare  she  come  on  board  ?  Send  her  aft  here, 
marine." 

The  marine  went  forward  and  gave  the  order ;  and 
Jemmy,  who  expected  a  breeze,  told  his  wife  to  behave 
herself  quietly.  His  advice  did  not,  however,  appear  to 
be  listened  to,  as  will  be  shown  in  the  sequel. 

"  How  came  you  on  board,  woman  ? "  cried  Vansly- 
perken, looking  at  her  from  top  to  toe  several  times,  as 
usual,  with  his  hands  in  his  great-coat  pockets,  and  his 
battered  speaking-trumpet  under  his  arm. 

"  How  did  I  come  on  board  !  why,  in  a  boat  to  be  sure," 
replied  Moggy,  determined  to  have  a  breeze. 

*'  Why  did  you  not  go  on  shore  before  the  cutter 
sailed  ?  "  replied  Vanslyperken,  in  an  angry  tone. 


The  Dog  Fiend  97 

**  Why,  just  for  the  contrary  reason,  because  there  was 
no  boat." 

**  Well,  ril  just  tell  you  this,  if  ever  I  see  you  on 
board  again,  you'll  take  the  consequences,"  retorted 
Vanslyperken, 

"  And  I'll  just  tell  you  this,"  replied  Moggy  ;  "  if  ever 
you  come  on  shore  again  you  shall  take  the  consequences. 
I'll  have  you — I  give  you  warning.  Flog  my  Jemmy, 
heh  !  my  own  dear  darling  Jemmy."  Hereupon  Moggy 
held  out  one  arm  bent,  and  with  the  palm  of  her  other 
hand  slapped  her  elbow — "  There!  "  cried  she. 

What  Jemmy's  wife  meant  by  this  sign,  it  is  impossible 
for  us  to  say ;  but  that  it  was  a  very  significant  one  was 
certain,  for  Mr  Vanslyperken  foamed  with  rage,  and  all 
the  cutter's  crew  were  tittering  and  laughing.  It  was  a 
species  of  free-masonry  known  only  to  the  initiated 
at  the  Sallyport. 

**  Send  the  marines  aft  here.  Take  this  woman  below," 
cried  Vanslyperken.  **  I  shall  put  all  this  down  to  your 
husband's  account,  and  give  him  a  receipt  in  full,  depend 
upon  it." 

"So  you  may.  Marines,  keep  off,  if  you  don't  wish 
your  heads  broken;  and  I'll  put  all  this  down  to  your 
account  \  and  as  you  say  that  you'll  pay  off  on  my  pet,  mark 
my  words,  if  I  don't  pay  off  on  yours — on  your  nasty  cur 
there.  I'll  send  him  to  cruise  after  Corporal  Van  Spitter. 
As  sure  as  I  stand  here,  if  you  dare  to  lay  a  finger  on  my 
Jemmy,  I'll  kill  the  brute  wherever  I  find  him,  and  make 
him  into  saus singers,  just  for  the  pleasure  of  eating  him. 
I'll  send  you  a  pound  as  a  present.  You  marine,  don't  be 
a  fool — I  can  walk  forward  without  your  hoffering  your 

arm,  and  be  d d  to  you."     So  saying,  Moggy  stalked 

forward  and  joined  the  men  on  the  forecastle. 

"D'ye  know  much  of  that  strapping  lass?"  said  Mr 
Vanslyperken's  new  acquaintance. 

**  Not  I,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  not  much  pleased  at 
the  observation. 

"  Well,  look  out  for  squalls,  she'll  be  as  good  as  her 


98  Snarleyyow;  or, 

word.  We'll  draw  the  foresheet,  and  stand  in  now,  if 
you  please." 

It  was  about  dusk,  for  the  days  were  now  short,  and 
the  cutter  was  eight  miles  off  the  land.  By  the  directions 
of  the  informer,  for  we  have  no  other  name  to  give  him, 
they  now  bore  up  and  ran  along  the  island  until  they  were, 
by  his  calculations,  for  it  then  was  dark,  abreast  of  a  certain 
point  close  to  the  Black  Gang  Chyne.  Here  they  hove-to, 
hoisted  out  their  boats,  three  in  number,  and  the  men  were 
sent  in,  well  armed  with  pistols  and  cutlasses.  Short  had 
the  charge  of  one.  Coble  of  the  second,  the  stern-sheets  of 
the  third  was  occupied  by  Vanslyperken  and  the  informer. 
As  soon  as  all  was  ready,  Jemmy  Ducks,  who,  much 
against  Vanslyperken's  wish,  was  left  in  charge  of  the 
cutter,  received  his  orders  to  lie-to  where  he  was,  and 
when  the  tide  made  flood,  to  stand  close  in-shore ;  and  all 
was  prepared  for  a  start,  when  it  occurred  to  Vanslyperken 
that  to  leave  Snarleyyow,  after  the  threat  of  Jemmy's  wife, 
and  the  known  animosity  of  Smallbones,  would  be  his 
death-warrant.  He  determined,  therefore,  to  take  him  in 
the  boat.  The  informer  protested  against  it,  but  Vansly- 
perken would  not  listen  to  his  protestations.  The  dog  was 
handed  into  the  boat,  and  they  shoved  off.  After  they  had 
pulled  a  quarter  of  an  hour  in-shore,  they  altered  their 
course,  and  continued  along  the  coast  until  the  informer 
had  made  out  exactly  where  he  was.  He  then  desired  the 
other  two  boats  to  come  alongside,  told  the  crews  that 
they  must  keep  the  greatest  silence,  as  where  they  were 
about  to  proceed  was  directly  under  where  the  smugglers 
would  have  a  party  to  receive  the  goods,  and  that  the 
least  alarm  would  prevent  them  from  making  the  capture. 
The  boats  then  pulled  in  to  some  large  rocks,  against 
which  the  waves  hoarsely  murmured,  although  the  sea  was 
still  smooth,  and  passing  between  them,  found  themselves 
in  a  very  small  cove,  where  the  water  was  still,  and  in 
which  there  was  deep  water. 

The  cove  was  not  defended  so  much  by  the  rocks  above 
water,  for  the  mouth  of  it  was  wide  ;  but  there  appeared 


The  Dog  Fiend  99 

to  be  a  ridge  below,  which  broke  off  the  swell  of  the 
ocean.  Neither  was  it  deep,  the  beach  not  being  more 
than  perhaps  fifty  feet  from  the  entrance.  The  boats, 
which  had  pulled  in  with  muffled  oars,  here  lay  quietly  for 
nearly  an  hour,  when  a  fog  came  on  and  obscured  the  view 
of  the  offing,  which  otherwise  was  extensive,  as  the  moon 
was  at  her  full,  and  had  shone  bright. 

"  This  is  all  the  better,"  whispered  the  informer,  "  they 
will  fall  into  the  trap  at  once.     Hark  !  hist !  I  hear  oars." 

They  all  listened ;  it  was  true,  the  sound  of  oars  was 
heard,  and  the  men  prepared  their  arms. 

The  splash  of  the  oars  was  now  more  plain.  **  Be  silent 
and  ready,"  whispered  the  informer,  and  the  whisper  was 
passed  round.  In  another  minute  a  large  lugger-built 
boat,  evidently  intended  for  sailing  as  well  as  pulling,  was 
seen  through  the  fog  looming  still  larger  from  the  mist, 
pulling  into  the  cove. 

"  Silence,  and  not  a  word.  Let  her  pass  us,"  whispered 
the  informer. 

The  boat  approached  rapidly — she  was  within  ten 
fathoms  of  the  entrance,  when  Snarleyyow,  hearing  the 
sound,  darted  forward  under  the  thwarts,  and  jumping  on 
the  bow  of  the  boat,  commenced  a  most  unusual  and 
prolonged  baying  of  Bow  wow,  bow  wow  wow  wow ! 

At  the  barking  of  the  dog  the  smugglers  backed  water 
to  stop  their  way.  They  knew  that  there  was  no  dog 
with  those  they  expected  to  meet,  it  was  therefore  clear 
that  the  Philistines  were  at  hand.  The  dog  barked  in 
spite  of  all  attempts  to  prevent  him,  and  acting  upon  this 
timely  warning,  the  lugger-boat  pulled  short  round,  just 
as  lights  were  shown  from  the  cliffs  to  notify  an  enemy  at 
hand,  for  the  barking  of  the  dog  had  not  escaped  the 
vigilance  of  those  on  shore,  and  in  a  few  seconds  she  dis- 
appeared in  the  mist. 

"Blast  your  cur!  Five  thousand  pounds  out  of  my 
pocket;"  exclaimed  the  informer.  **  I  told  you  so. 
Chuck  him  overboard,  my  men,  for  your  pockets  would 
have  been  lined." 


loo  Snarl eyyow;  or, 

Vanslyperken  was  as  savage,  and  exclaimed,  "  Give 
way,  my  men,  give  way ;  we'll  have  them  yet." 

*'  Send  a  cow  to  chase  a  hare,"  replied  the  informer, 
throwing  himself  back  in  the  stern-sheets  of  the  boat, 
**  I  know  better ;  you  may  save  yourself  the  trouble,  and 
the  men  the  fatigue.  May  the  devil  take  you,  and  your 
cursed  dog  with  you  I  Who  but  a  fool  would  have 
brought  a  dog  upon  such  an  occasion  ?  "Well,  I've  lost 
five  thousand  pounds  ;  but  there's  one  comfort,  you've 
lost  too.  That  will  be  a  valuable  beast,  if  you  put  all 
down  to  his  account." 

At  this  moment  Vanslyperken  was  so  much  annoyed  at 
the  loss  of  what  would  have  been  a  fortune  to  him,  that 
he  felt  as  angry  as  the  informer.  The  boats'  crew  were 
equally  enraged,  the  dog  was  pommelled,  and  kicked,  and 
passed  along  from  one  to  the  other,  until  he  at  last  gained 
the  stern-sheets,  and  crouched  between  the  legs  of  his 
master,  who  kicked  him  away  in  a  rage,  and  he  saved 
himself  under  the  legs  of  the  informer,  who,  seizing  a 
pistol,  struck  him  with  the  butt-end  of  it  such  a  blow, 
that  nothing  but  the  very  thick  skull  of  the  dog  could 
have  saved  him.  Snarleyyow  was  at  a  sad  discount  just 
then,  but  he  very  wisely  again  sought  protection  with  his 
master,  and  this  time  he  was  not  noticed. 

**  What  are  we  to  do  now  ?  "  observed  Vanslyperken. 

**  Go  back  again,  like  dogs  with  their  tails  between 
their  legs ;  but  observe,  Mr  Lieutenant,  you  have  made 
me  your  enemy,  and  that  is  more  serious  than  you  think 
for." 

"  Silence,  sir,  you  are  in  a  king's  boat." 

"  The  king  be  d d,"  replied  the  informer,  falling 

back  sulkily  against  the  gunnel  of  the  boat. 

**  Give  way,  men,  and  pull  on  board,"  said  Vanslyperken, 
in  equally  bad  humour. 

In  equally  bad  humour  the  men  did  give  way,  and  in 
about  an  hour  were  on  board  of  the  cutter. 

Every  one  was  in  a  bad  humour  when  the  affair  was 
made  known ;  but  Smallbones  observed,  **  that  the  dog 


The  Dog  Fiend  loi 

could  be  no  such  great  friend,  as  supposed,  of  Vansly- 
perken's,  to  thwart  his  interests  in  that  way ;  and  certainly 
no  imp  sent  by  the  devil  to  his  assistance."  The  ship's 
company  were  consoled  with  this  idea,  and  Jansen  again 
repeated,  **  that  the  tog  was  but  a  tog,  after  all." 


Chapter  XVI 

In  which  we  change  the  scene,  and  the  sex  of  our  performers. 

"We  must  now  leave  the  cutter  to  return  to  Portsmouth, 
while  we  introduce  to  our  readers  a  new  and  strange 
association.  We  stated  that  the  boats  had  been  ensconced 
in  a  very  small  cove  at  the  back  of  the  Isle  of  Wight. 
Above  these  hung  the  terrific  cliff  of  the  Black  Gang 
Chyne,  which,  to  all  appearance,  was  inaccessible.  But 
this  was  not  the  case,  or  the  smugglers  would  not  have 
resorted  there  to  disembark  their  cargo.  At  that  time, 
for  since  that  period  much  of  the  cliff  has  fallen  down, 
and  the  aspect  is  much  changed,  the  rocks  rose  up  from 
the  water  nearly  perpendicularly,  to  the  height  of  fifty 
or  sixty  feet.  At  that  height  there  was  a  flat  of  about 
one  hundred  feet  square  in  front  of  a  cave  of  very  great 
depth.  The  flat,  so  called  in  contradistinction  to  the 
perpendicular  cliff,  descended  from  the  seaward  to  the 
cave,  so  that  the  latter  was  not  to  be  seen  either  by  vessels 
passing  by,  or  by  those  who  might  be  adventurous  enough 
to  peep  over  the  ridge  above  ;  and  fragments  of  rocks, 
dispersed  here  and  there  on  this  flat,  or  platform,  induced 
people  to  imagine  that  the  upper  cliff  was  a  continuation 
of  the  lower.  The  lower  cliff,  on  which  this  platform  in 
front  of  the  cave  was  situated,  was  on  the  eastern  side  as 
abrupt  as  on  that  fronting  the  sea  to  the  southward ;  but 
on  the  western  side,  its  height  was  decreased  to  about 
fifteen  feet,  which  was  surmounted  by  a  ladder  removed 
at  pleasure.     To  this  means  of  access  to  the  cave  there 


I02  Snarleyyow;  or, 

was  a  zigzag  path,  used  only  by  the  smugglers,  leading 
from  the  small  cove,  and  another  much  more  tedious,  by 
which  they  could  transport  their  goods  to  the  summit  of 
this  apparently  inaccessible  mass  of  rocks.  The  cave 
itself  was  large,  and  with  several  diverging  galleries,  most 
of  which  were  dry ;  but  in  one  or  two  there  was  a 
continual  filtering  of  clear  pure  water  through  the  lime- 
stone rock,  which  was  collected  in  pits  dug  for  that 
purpose  on  the  floor  below ;  these  pits  were  always  full 
of  water,  the  excess  being  carried  off*  by  small  open  drains 
which  trickled  over  the  eastern  side  of  the  platform. 
Some  attention  to  comfort  had  been  paid  by  the  inhabitants 
of  these  caverns,  which  were  portioned  off  here  and  there 
by  sail-cloth  and  boards,  so  as  to  form  separate  rooms  and 
storehouses.  The  cookery  was  carried  on  outside  at  the 
edge  of  the  platform  nearest  the  sea,  under  an  immense 
fragment  of  rock,  which  lay  at  the  very  edge ;  and  by  an 
ingenious  arrangement  of  smaller  portions  of  the  rock 
neither  the  flame  was  to  be  distinguished,  nor  was  the 
smoke,  which  was  divided  and  made  to  find  its  passage 
through  a  variety  of  fissures,  never  in  such  a  volume  as  to 
be  supposed  to  be  anything  more  than  the  vapours  drawn 
up  by  the  heat  of  the  sun. 

In  this  abode  there  were  at  least  thirty  people  residing, 
and  generally  speaking,  it  might  be  called  a  convent,  for  it 
was  tenanted  by  women.  Their  husbands,  who  brought 
over  the  cargoes,  returning  immediately  in  their  boat  to 
the  opposite  shore,  for  two  reasons ;  one,  that  their  boats 
could  only  land  in  particular  seasons,  and  could  never 
remain  in  the  cove  without  risk  of  being  dashed  to  pieces ; 
and  the  other,  that  the  absence  of  all  men  prevented 
suspicion ;  the  whole  of  the  interior  smuggling  being 
carried  on  by  the  other  sex,  who  fearlessly  showed  them- 
selves on  every  part  of  the  island,  and  purchased  their 
necessary  supplies  of  provisions  here  and  there,  without 
exciting  any  misgivings  as  to  the  nature  of  their  employ- 
ment. A  few  isolated  cottages,  not  far  from  the  beetling 
brow  of  the  cliff  above,  were  their  supposed  abodes  5  but 


The  Dog  Fiend  103 

no  one  ever  troubled  them  with  a  visit,  and  if  they  did, 
and  found  that  they  could  gain  no  admittance,  they 
imagined  that  the  occupants  had  locked  their  doors  for 
security,  while  they  were  busied  with  their  labours  in  the 
field.  Accustomed  to  climb  up  the  tortuous  path  from 
the  cave  to  the  summit,  the  women  would,  on  the  darkest 
night,  carry  up  their  burdens  and  deposit  them  in  the 
cottages  above,  until  they  had  an  opportunity  of  delivering 
their  contraband  articles  into  the  hands  of  their  agents ; 
and  this  traffic  had  been  carried  on  for  many  years,  without 
the  government  or  excise  having  the  slightest  suspicion  by 
what  means  the  smuggling  was  accomplished.  As  we 
before  observed,  the  great  articles  in  request,  and  which 
were  now  smuggled  from  France,  were  alamodes  and  lute- 
strings. The  attention  of  government  had  been  called  to 
check  the  admission  of  these  goods,  but  hitherto  their 
attempts  had  not  been  attended  with  much  success. 

At  the  grey  of  the  morning  after  the  attempt  to  seize 
the  smugglers  had  been  defeated  by  the  instrumentality 
of  Snarleyyow,  upon  the  top  of  the  immense  fragment  of 
the  rock  which  we  have  described  as  lying  upon  the  sea- 
edge  of  the  platform,  was  perched  a  fair,  slight-made  little 
girl,  of  about  twelve  years  of  age.  She  was  simply  clad 
in  a  short  worsted  petticoat  and  bodice  of  a  dark  colour ; 
her  head  was  bare,  and  her  hair  fluttered  with  the  breeze ; 
her  small  feet,  notwithstanding  the  severity  of  the  weather, 
were  also  naked,  and  her  short  petticoat  discovered  her 
legs  half  way  up  to  the  knee.  She  stood  there,  within  a 
few  inches  of  the  precipice  below,  carelessly  surveying  the 
waves  as  they  dashed  over  the  rocks,  for  she  was  waiting 
until  the  light  would  enable  her  to  see  further  on  the 
horizon.  By  those  who  might  have  leaned  over  the  ridge 
above,  as  well  as  by  those  who  sailed  below,  she  might 
have  been  taken,  had  she  been  seen  to  move,  for  some  sea 
bird  reposing  after  a  flight,  so  small  was  her  frame  in 
juxtaposition  with  the  wildness  and  majesty  of  nature 
which  surrounded  her  on  every  side.  Accustomed  from 
infancy  to  her  mode  of  life,  and  this  unusual  domicile,  her 


104  Snarleyyow;  or, 

eye  quailed  not,  nor  did  her  heart  beat  quicker,  as  she 
looked  down  into  the  abyss  below,  or  turned  her  eyes  up 
to  the  beetling  mass  of  rock  which  appeared,  each  moment, 
ready  to  fall  down  and  overwhelm  her.  She  passed  her 
hand  across  her  temples  to  throw  back  the  hair  which  the 
wind  had  blown  over  her  eyes,  and  again  scanned  the 
distance  as  the  sun's  light  increased,  and  the  fog  gradually 
cleared  away. 

"  A  sharp  look  out,  Lilly,  dear ;  you've  the  best  eyes 
among  us,  and  we  must  have  a  clue  from  whence  last 
night's  surprise  proceeded." 

"  I  can  see  nothing  yet,  mother ;  but  the  fog  is  driving 
back  fast." 

**  It's  but  a  cheerless  night  your  poor  father  had,  to  pull 
twice  across  the  channel,  and  find  himself  just  where  he 
was.  God  speed  them,  and  may  they  be  safe  in  port  again 
by  this  time." 

"  I  say  so  too,  mother,  and  amen." 

"  D'ye  see  nothing,  child  ? " 

**  Nothing,  dear  mother ;  but  it  clears  up  fast  to  the  east- 
ward, and  the  sun  is  bursting  out  of  the  bank,  and  I  think 
I  see  something  under  the  sun." 

"Watch  well,  Lilly,"  replied  the  woman,  who  was 
throwing  more  wood  on  the  fire. 

**  I  see  a  vessel,  mother.  It  is  a  sloop  beating  to  the 
eastward." 

"  A  coaster,  child  ?  " 

**  No,  mother,  I  think  not.  No,  it  is  no  coaster — it  is 
that  king's  vessel,  I  think,  but  the  glare  of  the  sun  is  too 
great.     When  he  rises  higher  I  shall  make  it  out  better." 

"Which  do  you  mean,  the  king's  cutter  on  the  station, 
the  Tungfrau  f  " 

"  Yes,  mother,"  replied  Lilly,  "it  is.  I'm  sure  it  is  the 
Tungfrau.^^ 

"Then  it  is  from  her  that  the  boats  came  last  night. 
She  must  have  received  some  information.  There  must  be 
treachery  somewhere ;  but  we'll  soon  find  that  out." 

It  may  appear  singular  that  Lilly  could  speak  so  positively 


The  Dog  Fiend  105 

as  to  a  vessel  at  a  great  distance ;  but  it  must  be  remem- 
bered that  she  had  been  brought  up  to  it,  nearly  all  her 
life.  It  was  her  profession,  and  she  had  lived  wholly  with 
seamen  and  seamen's  wives,  which  will  account  for  her 
technical  language  being  so  correct.  What  Lilly  said  was 
true  ;  it  was  the  Tungfrau,  which  was  beating  up  to  regain 
her  port,  and  having  to  stem  a  strong  ebb-tide  during  the 
night,  had  not  made  very  great  progress. 

"  There  are  three  other  vessels  in  the  ofHng,**  said  Lilly, 
looking  round,  "  a  ship  and  two  brigs,  both  going  down 
channel : "  and  as  she  said  this,  the  little  thing  dropped 
lightly  from  rock  to  rock  till  she  stood  by  her  mother,  and 
commenced  rubbing  her  hands  before  the  now  blazing  fire. 

**  Nancy  must  go  over  to  Portsmouth,"  observed  the 
mother,  "and  find  out  all  about  this.  I  hardly  know 
whom  to  suspect;  but  let  Nancy  alone,  she'll  ferret  out 
the  truth — she  has  many  gossips  at  the  Point.  Whoever 
informed  against  the  landing,  must  know  of  this  cavec" 

But  we  must  introduce  the  mother  of  Lilly  to  the  reader. 
She  was  a  tall,  finely-featured  woman,  her  arms  beautifully 
moulded,  and  bare.  She  was  rather  inclined  to  be  stout, 
but  her  figure  was  magnificent.  She  was  dressed  in  the 
same  costume  as  her  daughter,  with  the  exception  of  a  net 
worsted  shawl  of  many  colours  over  her  shoulders.  Her 
appearance  gave  you  the  idea  that  she  was  never  intended 
for  the  situation  which  she  was  now  in ;  but  of  that  here- 
after. As  the  reader  may  have  observed,  her  language 
was  correct,  as  was  that  of  the  child,  and  proved  that  she 
had  not  only  been  educated  herself,  but  had  paid  attention 
to  the  bringing  up  of  Lilly.  The  most  perfect  confidence 
appeared  to  subsist  between  the  mother  and  daughter :  the 
former  treated  her  child  as  her  equal,  and  confided  every- 
thing to  her ;  and  Lilly  was  far  advanced  beyond  her  age 
in  knowledge  and  reflection  ;  her  countenance  beamed  with 
intelligence ;  perhaps  a  more  beautiful  and  more  promising 
creature  never  existed. 

A  third  party  now  appeared  from  the  cave;  although 
not  in  canonicals,  his  dress  indicated  his  profession  of  a 


io6  Snarleyyow;  or, 

priest.     He  approached  the   mother  and  daughter  with, 
"  Peace  be  with  you,  ladies." 

"  You  forget,  good  father,"  .replied  the  elder  of  the 
females,  **  my  name  is  Alice — nothing  more." 

"  I  crave  pardon  for  my  forgetting  who  you  were.  I 
will  be  more  mindful.  Well,  then,  Alice — yet  that  familiar 
term  sounds  strangely,  and  my  tongue  will  not  accustom 
itself,  even  were  I  to  remain  here  weeks,  instead  of  but 
two  days — I  was  about  to  say,  that  the  affair  of  last  night 
was  most  untoward.  My  presence  is  much  wished  for, 
and  much  required,  at  St  Germains.  It  was  unfortunate, 
because  it  proves  that  we  have  traitors  among  us  some- 
where 5  but  of  that,  and  of  the  whole  affair,  I  will  have 
cognizance  in  a  few  days." 

"  And  should  you  discover  the  party  ?" 

"  His  doom  is  sealed." 

"  You  are  right." 

"In  so  important  and  so  righteous  a  cause,  we  must  not 
stop  at  aught  necessary  to  secure  our  purpose.  But,  tell 
me,  think  you  that  your  husband  will  soon  be  here 
again  ?  " 

*'  I  should  think  not  to-night,  but  to-morrow  or  the 
next  he  will  be  off;  and  if  we  can  show  the  signals  of 
surety  he  will  land,  if  the  weather  will  permit." 

**'Tis  indeed  time  that  I  were  over.  Something  might 
now  be  done." 

"I  would  so  too,  father-,  it  is  a  tedious  time  that  I 
have  spent  here." 

"  And  most  unfitting  for  you,  were  it  not  that  you 
laboured  in  a  great  cause ;  but  it  must  soon  be  decided, 
and  then  that  fair  lily  shall  be  transplanted,  like  a  wild 
flower  from  the  rock,  and  be  nurtured  in  a  conservatory." 

"  Nay,  for  that,  the  time  is  hardly  come.  She  is  better 
here,  as  you  see  her,  father,  than  in  the  chambers  of  a 
court.  For  her  sake  I  would  still  remain;  but  for  my 
husband's  sake,  and  the  perils  he  encounters,  I  wish  that 
one  way  or  the  other  it  were  decided." 

**Had  there  been  faith  in  that  Italian,  it  had  been  so 


The  Dog  Fiend  107 

before  now,"  replied  tlie  priest,  grinding  his  teeth,  and 
turning  away. 

But  the  conversation  was  closed  at  the  appearance  of 
some  women  who  came  out  of  the  cave.  They  were 
variously  clothed,  some  coarsely,  and  others  with  greater 
pretensions  to  finery  :  they  brought  with  them  the  imple- 
ments for  cooking,  and  appeared  surprised  at  the  fire 
being  already  lighted.  Among  them  was  one  about 
twenty-five  years  of  age,  and  although  more  faded  than 
she  ought  to  have  been  at  that  early  age,  still  with 
pretensions  to  almost  extreme  beauty.  She  was  more 
gaily  dressed  than  the  others,  and  had  a  careless,  easy 
air  about  her,  which  suited  to  her  handsome,  slight 
figure.  It  was  impossible  to  see  her  without  being 
interested,  and  desiring  to  know  who  she  was. 

This  person  was  the  Nancy  mentioned  by  Alice  in  her 
conversation  with  Lilly.  Her  original  name  had  been 
Nancy  Dawson,  but  she  had  married  one  of  the  smugglers, 
of  the  name  of  Corbett.  Her  original  profession,  previous 
to  her  marriage,  we  will  not  dwell  upon ;  suffice  it  to  say, 
that  she  was  the  most  celebrated  person  of  that  class  in 
Portsmouth,  both  for  her  talent  and  extreme  beauty.  Had 
she  lived  in  the  days  of  King  Charles  II.,  and  had  he  seen 
her,  she  would  have  been  more  renowned  than  ever  was 
Eleanor  Gwynne ;  even  as  it  was,  she  had  been  celebrated 
in  a  song,  which  has  not  been  lost  to  posterity.  After  a 
few  years  of  dissipated  life,  Nancy  reformed,  and  became 
an  honest  woman,  and  an  honest  wife.  By  her  marriage 
with  the  smuggler,  she  had  become  one  of  the  fraternity, 
and  had  taken  up  her  abode  in  the  cave,  which  she  was 
not  sorry  to  do,  as  she  had  become  too  famous  at  Ports- 
mouth to  remain  there  as  a  married  woman.  Still  she 
occasionally  made  her  appearance,  and  to  a  certain  degree 
kept  up  her  old  acquaintances,  that  she  might  discover 
what  was  going  on — very  necessary  information  for  the 
smugglers.  She  would  laugh,  and  joke,  and  have  her 
repartee  as  usual,  but  in  other  points  she  was  truly 
reformed.     Her  acquaintance  was  so  general,  and  she  was 


io8  Snarleyyow;  or, 

such  a  favourite,  that  she  was  of  the  greatest  use  to  the 
band,  and  was  always  sent  over  to  Portsmouth  when  her 
services  were  required.  It  was  supposed  there,  for  she 
had  reported  it,  that  she  had  retired  to  the  Isle  of  Wight, 
and  lived  there  with  her  husband,  who  was  a  pilot,  and 
that  she  came  over  to  Portsmouth  occasionally,  to  inquire 
after  her  old  friends,  and  upon  business. 

"Nancy  Corbett,  I  must  speak  to  you,"  said  Alice. 
"  Come  aside  :  I  wish  you,  Nancy,  to  go  over  immediately. 
Can  you  go  up,  do  you  think,  without  being  perceived  ?  " 

"  Yes,  Mistress  Alice,  provided  there  is  no  one  to  see 
me." 

"  The  case  is  so  important,  that  we  must  run  the  risk." 

"  We've  run  cargoes  of  more  value  than  that." 

"  But  still  you  must  use  discretion,  Nancy." 

*'  That's  a  commodity  that  I've  not  been  very  well  pro- 
vided with  through  life ;  but  I  have  my  wits  in  its  stead." 

"  Then  you  must  use  your  wit,  Nancy." 

"  It's  like  an  old  knife,  well  worn,  but  all  the  sharper." 

Alice  then  entered  into  a  detail  of  what  she  would  find 
out,  and  gave  her  instructions  to  Nancy.  The  first  point 
was,  to  ascertain  whether  it  was  the  cutter  which  had 
received  the  information;  the  second,  who  the  informer 
was. 

Nancy,  having  received  her  orders,  tied  the  strings  of 
her  bonnet,  caught  up  a  handful  of  the  victuals  which  were 
at  the  fire,  and  bidding  the  others  a  laughing  good-bye, 
with  her  mouth  full,  and  one  hand  also  occupied,  descended 
the  ladder,  previously  to  mounting  the  cliff. 

"Nancy,"  said  Lilly,  who  stood  by  the  ladder,  "bring 
me  some  pens." 

"  Yes,  dear  ;  will  you  have  them  alive,  or  dead  ?  " 

"  Nonsense,  I  mean  some  quills." 

"So  do  I,  Miss  Lilly ;  but  if  you  want  them  dead,  I 
shall  bring  them  in  my  pocket — if  alive,  I  shall  bring  the 
goose  under  my  arm." 

"  I  only  want  the  quills,  Nancy,"  replied  Lilly,  laughing. 

"  And  I  think  I  shall  want  the  feathers  of  them  before 


The  Dog  Fiend  109 

Fm  at  the  top,"  replied  Nancy,  looking  up  at  the  majestic 
cliff  above  her.     "  Good-bye,  Miss  Lilly." 

Nancy  Corbett  again  filled  her  handsome  mouth  with 
bread,  and  commenced  her  ascent.  In  less  than  a  quarter  of 
an  hour  she  had  disappeared  over  the  ridge. 


Chapter    XVII 

In  which  there  is  a  great  deal  of  plotting,  and  a  little  execution. 

We  will  follow  Nancy  Corbett  for  the  present.  Nancy 
gained  the  summit  of  the  cliff,  and  panting  for  breath, 
looked  round  to  ascertain  if  there  was  any  one  in  sight,  but 
the  coast  was  clear  ;  she  waited  a  minute  to  recover  herself 
a  little,  and  then  set  off  at  a  brisk  pace  in  the  direction  of 
the  hamlet  of  Ryde,  which  then  consisted  of  a  few  fisher- 
men's huts.  It  was  an  hour  and  a-half  before  she  gained 
this  place,  from  whence  she  took  a  boat,  and  was  safely 
landed  at  the  Point.  The  fisherman  who  brought  her  over 
was  an  old  acquaintance  of  Nancy's,  and  knew  that  he 
would  have  to  remain  to  take  her  back,  but  he  was  well 
paid  for  his  trouble,  and  it  was  a  lucky  day  for  him  when 
Nancy  required  his  services.  The  Tungfrau  had  rounded 
St  Helen's,  and  was  standing  into  Spithead,  when  Nancy 
landed,  and  the  first  door  at  which  she  knocked  was  at  the 
lodgings  of  Moggy  Salisbury,  with  whom  she  was  well 
acquainted,  and  from  whom  she  expected  to  be  able  to  gain 
information.  On  inquiry,  she  found  that  Moggy  had  not 
come  on  shore  from  the  cutter,  which  had  sailed  during 
the  night  very  unexpectedly. 

This  information  pleased  Nancy,  as  Moggy  would  in 
all  probability  be  able  to  give  her  important  information, 
and  she  took  up  her  quarters  in  Moggy's  apartments, 
anxiously  awaiting  her  arrival,  for  Nancy  was  not  at  all 
desirous  to  be  seen.  In  due  time  the  cutter  was  again 
anchored  in   the    harbour,   and    the   first   order   of   Mr 


no  Snarleyyow;  or, 

Vanslyperken's  was,  that  Moggy  Salisbury  should  be 
sent  on  shore,  which  order  was  complied  with,  and  she 
left  the  vessel,  vowing  vengeance  upon  the  lieutenant  and 
his  dog.  The  informer  also  hastened  into  a  boat,  and 
pulled  on  shore  on  the  Gosport  side,  with  a  very 
significant  farewell  look  at  Mr  Vanslyperken.  Moggy 
landed,  and  hastened,  full  of  wrath,  to  her  own  lodgings, 
where  she  found  Nancy  Corbett  waiting  for  her.  At  first 
she  was  too  full  of  her  own  injuries,  and  the  attempt  to 
flog  her  dear  darling  Jemmy,  to  allow  Nancy  to  put  in 
a  word.  Nancy  perceived  this,  and  allowed  her  to  run 
herself  down  like  a  clock ;  and  then  proposed  that  they 
should  send  for  some  purl  and  have  a  cosy  chat,  to 
which  Moggy  agreed,  and  as  soon  as  they  were  fairly 
settled,  and  Moggy  had  again  delivered  herself  of  her 
grievances,  Nancy  put  the  requisite  questions,  and  dis- 
covered what  the  reader  is  already  acquainted  with.  She 
requested,  and  obtained  a  full  description  of  the  informer, 
and  his  person  was  too  remarkable,  for  Nancy  not  to 
recognise  immediately  who  it  was. 

"The  villain!"  cried  she;    "why,  if  there  was  any 

man  in  whom  we  thought  we  could  trust,  it  was 

him ; "  for  Nancy  had,  in  her  indignation,  nearly  pro- 
nounced his  name. 

**  Nancy,"  said  Moggy,  **  you  have  to  do  with  the 
smugglers,  I  know,  for  your  husband  is  one  of  them, 
if  report  says  true.  Now,  Tve  been  thinking,  that  the 
cutter  is  no  place  for  my  Jemmy,  and  that  with  this  peak- 
nosed  villain,  he  will  always  be  in  trouble.  Tell  me,  will 
they  let  him  in,  if  he  volunteers." 

"  I  can't  exactly  say,  Moggy ;  but  this  I  can  tell  you, 
that  you  may  be  very  useful  to  them  in  giving  us  informa- 
tion, which  you  may  gain  through  your  husband." 

**  Ay,  and  not  only  through  my  husband,  but  from 
everybody  on  board  the  cutter.  I'm  yours,  Nancy — and 
here's  my  hand  on  it — you'll  see  what  I  can  do.  The 
wagabond,  to  attempt  to  flog  my  own  dear,  darling  duck 
—my   own   Jemmy.      Only  tell   me  what  you   want   to 


The  Dog  Fiend  iii 

know,  and  if  I  don't  ferret  it  out,  my  name's  not  Moggy. 
But  hear  me,  Nancy  ;  I  join  you  now  hand  and  heart, 
though  I  gain  nothing  by  it ;  and  when  you  choose  to 
have  him,  I'll  bring  you  my  little  duck  of  a  husband,  and 
he  will  be  worth  his  weight  in  gold,  though  I  say  it  that 
shouldn't  say  it." 

**  Thanky,  Moggy ;  but  you  shall  not  work  for 
nothing;"  and  Nancy  laid  a  gold  Jacobus  on  the  table. 
**  This  for  your  present  information.  Be  secret  and 
cautious,  and  no  gossiping,  and  you'll  find  that  you  shall 
have  all  you  wish,  and  be  no  loser  in  the  bargain.  And 
now,  good-night — I  must  be  away.  You  shall  see  me 
soon.  Moggy  ;  and  remember  what  I  have  told  you." 

Moggy  was  astonished  at  the  sight  of  the  gold  Jacobus, 
which  she  took  up  and  examined  as  Nancy  departed. 
*'  Well,"  thought  she,  "  but  this  smuggling  must  be  a 
pretty  consarn ;  and  as  sure  as  gold  is  gold,  my  Jemmy 
shall  be  a  smuggler." 

Nancy  turned  down  the  street,  and  passed  rapidly  on, 
until  she  was  clear  of  the  fortifications,  in  the  direction  of 
South  Sea  Beach.  A  few  scattered  cottages  were  at  that 
time  built  upon  the  spot.  It  was  quite  dark  as  she  passed 
the  lines,  and  held  her  way  over  the  shingle.  A  man  was 
standing  alone,  whose  figure  she  recognised.  It  was  the 
very  person  that  she  wished  to  find.  Nancy  watched  him 
for  awhile,  and  observed  him  pull  out  a  paper,  tear  it  in 
two,  and  throw  it  down  with  gesticulations  of  anger  and 
indignation.     She  then  approached. 

"  What's  o'clock  ?  "  said  Nancy. 

**  Do  you  want  the  right  time  ?  "  replied  the  man. 

"  To  a  minute,"  replied  Nancy,  who,  finding  that  the 
password  was  given  correctly,  now  stopped,  and  faced  the 
other  party.     "  Is  that  you,  Cornbury  ? " 

"  Yes,  Nancy,"  replied  the  man,  who,  was  the  same 
person  who  went  on  board  of  the  cutter  to  give  the  in- 
formation. 

"  I  have  been  seeking  you,"  replied  Nancy.  "  There 
has  been  some  information  laid,  and  the  boats  were  nearly 


112  Snarleyyow ;  or, 

surprised.  Alice  desires  that  you  will  find  out  what  boats 
entered  the  cove,  whom  they  belonged  to,  and,  if  possible, 
how  they  obtained  the  information." 

"  Boats  nearly  surprised ! — you  don't  say  so,"  replied 
Cornbury,  with  affected  astonishment.  "  This  must 
indeed  be  looked  to.     Have  you  no  idea " 

"  None,"  replied  Nancy.  **  There  was  no  vessel  to  be 
seen  the  next  morning — the  fog  was  too  thick.  Have  you 
seen  Wahop  ? " 

"  No  ;  I  thought  he  was  on  the  Isle." 

**  He  ought  to  have  been,  but  has  not  come  ;  I  have  been 
at  the  oak-tree  for  three  nights  running.  It's  very  strange. 
Do  you  think  that  he  can  have  played  false  ? " 

"  I  never  much  liked  the  man,"  replied  Cornbury. 

"  Nor  I  either,"  replied  Nancy  ;  "  but  I  must  go  now, 
for  I  must  be  back  at  the  crags  before  daylight.  Find  out 
what  you  can,  and  let  us  know  as  soon  as  possible.  I 
shall  be  over  again  as  soon  as  the  cargo  is  run ;  if  you  find 
out  anything,  you  had  better  come  to-morrow  night." 

**  I  will,"  replied  Cornbury  ;  and  the  parties  separated. 

''*  Traitor,"  muttered  Nancy,  when  she  was  once  more 
alone.  "  If  he  comes,  it  shall  be  to  his  death ; "  and 
Nancy  stooped  down,  picked  up  the  pieces  of  paper  which 
Cornbury  had  torn  up,  and  put  them  in  the  basket  she 
carried  on  her  arm. 

It  will  be  observed  that  Nancy  had  purposely  thrown 
out  hints  against  Wahop,  to  induce  Cornbury  to  believe 
that  he  was  not  suspected.  Her  assertion  that  Wahop  was 
not  on  the  island  was  false.  He  had  been  three  days  at 
Ryde,  according  to  the  arrangement.  The  bait  took. 
Cornbury  perceiving  that  the  suspicion  was  against  Wahop, 
thought  that  he  could  not  do  better  than  to  boldly  make 
his  appearance  at  the  cave,  which  would  remove  any 
doubts  as  to  his  own  fidelity. 

Nancy  hastened  down  to  the  Point,  and  returned  that 
night  to  Ryde,  from  whence  she  walked  over  to  the  cave, 
and  was  there  before  daylight.  She  communicated  to 
Alice  the  intelligence  which  she  had  received  from  Moggy 


The  Dog  Fiend  113 

Salisbury,  and  the  arrangements  she  had  proposed  to  her, 
by  which  the  motions  of  the  cutter  could  be  known. 

"  Is  that  woman  to  be  trusted,  think  you,  Nancy  ? "  in- 
quired Alice. 

"  Yes,  I  believe  sincerely  she  may  be.  I  have  known 
her  long  5  and  she  wishes  her  husband  to  join  us." 

"  We  must  reflect  upon  it.  She  may  be  most  useful. 
What  is  the  character  of  the  officer  who  commands  the 
vessel  ? " 

"  A  miser,  and  a  coward.  He  is  well  known — neither 
honour  nor  conscience  in  him." 

**  The  first  is  well,  as  we  may  act  upon  it,  but  the 
second  renders  him  doubtful.  You  are  tired,  Nancy, 
and  had  better  lie  down  a  little." 

Nancy  Corbett  delivered  the  pens  to  Lilly,  and  then 
took  the  advice  of  her  superior.  The  day  was  remarkably 
fine,  and  the  water  smooth,  so  that  the  boats  were  expected 
that  night.  At  dusk  two  small  lights,  at  even  distances, 
were  suspended  from  the  clifF,  to  point  out  to  the  boats 
that  the  coast  was  free,  and  that  they  might  land.  Alice, 
however,  took  the  precaution  to  have  a  watch  on  the 
beach,  in  case  of  any  second  surprise  being  attempted ; 
but  of  this  there  was  little  fear,  as  she  knew  from  Nancy, 
that  all  the  cutter's  boats  were  on  board  when  she  entered 
the  harbour.  Lilly,  who  thought  it  a  delight  to  be  one 
moment  sooner  in  her  father's  arms,  had  taken  the  watch 
on  the  beach,  and  there  the  little  girl  remained  perched 
upon  a  rock,  at  the  foot  of  which  the  waves  now  only 
sullenly  washed,  for  the  night  was  beautifully  calm  and 
clear.  To  a  passer  on  the  ocean  she  might  have  been 
mistaken  for  a  mermaid  who  had  left  her  watery  bower 
to  look  upon  the  world  above. 

What  were  the  thoughts  of  the  little  maiden  as  she 
remained  there  fixed  as  a  statue  ?  Did  she  revert  to  the 
period  at  which  her  infant  memory  could  retrace  silken 
hangings  and  marble  halls,  visions  of  splendour,  dreamings 
of  courtly  state,  or  was  she  thinking  of  her  father,  as 
her  quick  ear  caught   the  least  swell  of  the   increasing 


114  Snarleyyow;  or, 

breeze  ?  Was  she,  as  her  eye  was  fixed  as  if  attempting 
to  pierce  the  depths  of  the  ocean,  wondering  at  what 
might  be  its  hidden  secrets,  or  as  they  were  turned 
towards  the  heavens,  bespangled  with  ten  thousand  stars, 
was  she  meditating  on  the  God  who  placed  them  there  ? 
Who  can  say  ? — -but  that  that  intellectual  face  bespoke 
the  mind  at  work  is  certain,  and  from  one  so  pure  and 
lovely  could  emanate  nothing  but  what  was  innocent  and 
good. 

But  a  distant  sound  falls  upon  her  ear ;  she  listens,  and 
by  its  measured  cadence  knows  that  it  is  the  rowers  in  a 
boat :  nearer  it  comes  and  more  distinct,  and  now  her 
keen  eye  detects  the  black  mass  approaching  in  the  gloom 
of  night.  She  starts  from  the  rock  ready  to  fly  up  to 
the  cave  to  give  notice  of  an  enemy,  or,  if  their  anticipated 
friends,  to  fly  into  the  arms  of  her  father.  But  her  alarm 
is  over,  she  perceives  that  it  is  the  lugger,  the  boat  dashes 
into  the  cove,  and  the  first  who  lands  strains  her  to  his 
bosom. 

**  My  dearest  Lilly,  is  all  well  ? " 

"  Yes,  all  is  well,  father ;  but  you  are  well  come." 

"  Run  up,  dearest,  and  let  the  women  be  ready  to 
assist.  We  have  that  here  which  must  soon  be  out  of 
sight.     Is  the  Father  Innis  here  ?  " 

"  Since  Thursday  last." 

"  'Tis  well,  dear ;  you  may  go.  Quick,  my  lads,  and 
beach  the  cargo : — see  to  it,  Ramsay  ;  I  must  at  once  unto 
the  cave."  Having  given  these  directions,  the  father  of 
Lilly  commenced  his  ascent  over  the  rough  and  steep 
rocks  which  led  up  to  the  cavern,  anxious  to  obtain  what 
information  could  be  imparted  relative  to  the  treachery 
which  had  led  to  their  narrow  escape  two  nights  preceding. 

He  was  met  by  Alice,  who  cordially  embraced  him ; 
but  he  appeared  anxious  to  release  himself  from  her  en- 
dearments, that  he  might  at  once  enter  upon  matters  to 
him  of  more  serious  importance.  "Where  is  the  Father 
Innis,  my  dear  ? "  said  he,  disengaging  himself  from  her 
arms. 


The  Dog  Fiend  1 15 

"  He  sleeps,  Robert,  or,  at  least,  he  did  just  now,  but 
probably  he  will  rise  now  that  you  are  come.  But  in  the 
meantime,  I  have  discovered  who  the  traitor  is." 

**  By  all  the  saints,  he  shall  not  escape  my  vengeance ! " 

Alice  then  entered  into  the  particulars  related  by  Nancy 
Corbett,  and  already  known  to  the  reader.  She  had  just 
concluded  when  Father  Innis  made  his  appearance  from  the 
cave. 

"  Welcome,  thrice  welcome,  holy  father." 

"Welcome,  too,  my  son.     Say,  do  we  start  to-night?" 

"Not  till  to-morrow  night,"  replied  the  husband  of 
Alice,  who  having  ascertained  that  in  all  probability  Corn- 
bury  would  come  that  night,  determined,  at  all  risks,  to 
get  possession  of  him :  "we  could  well  be  over  before 
daylight,  and  with  your  precious  person,  I  must  not  risk 
too  much.     You  are  anxiously  expected." 

"  And  I  have  important  news,"  replied  the  priest;  "but 
I  will  not  detain  you  now  ;  I  perceive  that  your  presence 
is  wanted  by  your  men." 

During  this  colloquy  the  women  had  descended  the 
ladder,  and  had  been  assisting  the  men  to  carry  up  the 
various  packages  of  which  the  boat's  cargo  consisted,  and 
they  now  awaited  directions  as  to  the  stowing  away. 

"  Ramsay,"  said  the  leader,  "  we  do  not  return  to- 
night ;  take  the  men,  and  contrive  to  lift  the  boat  up  on 
the  rocks,  so  that  she  may  not  be  injured." 

An  hour  elapsed  before  this  was  effected,  and  then  the 
leader,  as  well  as  the  rest  of  the  smugglers,  retired  to  the 
cave  to  refresh  themselves  with  sleep  after  their  night  of 
fatigue.  As  usual,  one  woman  kept  watch,  and  that 
woman  was  Nancy  Corbett.  The  ladder  had  been  hauled 
up,  and  she  was  walking  up  and  down,  with  her  arms 
under  a  shawl,  to  a  sort  of  stamping  trot,  for  the  weather 
was  frosty,  when  she  heard  a  low  whistle  at  the  west  side 
of  the  flat. 

"Oh,  ho!  have  I  lured  you,  you  traitorous  villain?" 
muttered  Nancy,  "you  come  in  good  time: "and  Nancy 
walked  to  the  spot  where  the  ladder  was  usually  lowered 


ii6  Snarleyyow;  or, 

down,  and  looked  over.  Although  the  moon  had  risen,  it 
was  too  dark  on  that  side  of  the  platform  to  distinguish 
more  than  that  there  was  a  human  form,  who  repeated  the 
whistle. 

"  What's  o'clock  ? "  said  Nancy,  in  a  low  tone. 

"  Do  you  want  the  right  time  to  a  minute  ? "  replied  a 
voice,  which  was  recognised  as  Cornbury's.  Nancy- 
lowered  down  the  ladder,  and  Cornbury  ascended  the 
platform. 

**  I  am  glad  you  are  come,  Cornbury.  Have  you  heard 
anything  of  Wahop  ?  " 

**  No  one  has  seen  or  heard  of  him,"  replied  the  man, 
"  but  I  have  found  out  what  boats  they  were.  Did  the 
lugger  come  over  to-night  ? " 

**  Yes,"  replied  Nancy,  "  but  I  must  go  in  and  let 
Mistress  Alice  know  that  you  are  here." 

Nancy's  abrupt  departure  was  to  prevent  Cornbury  from 
asking  if  the  boat  had  remained,  or  returned  to  the  French 
coast ;  for  she  thought  it  not  impossible  that  the  unusual 
circumstance  of  the  boat  remaining,  might  induce  him  to 
suppose  that  his  treachery  had  been  discovered,  and  to  make 
his  immediate  escape,  which  he,  of  course,  could  have 
done,  and  given  full  information  of  the  cave  and  the  parties 
who  frequented  it. 

Nancy  soon  re-appeared,  and  familiarly  taking  the  arm 
of  Cornbury,  led  him  to  the  eastern  side  of  the  platform, 
asking  him  many  questions.  As  soon  as  he  was  there,  the 
leader  of  the  gang,  followed  by  half  a  dozen  of  his  men, 
rushed  out  and  secured  him.  Cornbury  now  felt  assured 
that  all  was  discovered,  and  that  his  life  was  forfeited. 
**  Bind  him  fast,"  said  the  leader,  "  and  keep  watch  over 
him ; — his  case  shall  soon  be  disposed  of.  Nancy,  you  will 
call  me  at  daylight." 

"When  Cornbury  had  been  secured,  the  men  returned 
into  the  cave,  leaving  one  with  a  loaded  pistol  to  guard  him. 
Nancy  still  remained  on  the  watch. 

"  Nancy  Corbett,"  said  Cornbury,  **  why  am  I  treated 
thus?" 


The  Dog  Fiend  117 

"  Why  ?  "  replied  Nancy,  with  scorn  ;  **  ask  yourself 
why.  Do  you  think  that  I  did  not  know  when  I  sought 
you  at  the  beach  that  you  had  sailed  in  the  cutter,  had 
brought  the  boats  here,  and  that  if  it  had  not  been  for  the 
lieutenant  taking  his  dog  in  the  boat,  and  its  barking,  you 
would  have  delivered  us  all  into  the  hands  of  the 
Philistines  ? — wretched  traitor." 

"D — n !  "  muttered  Cornbury  ;  "  then  it  is  to  you,  you 
devil,  that  I  am  indebted  for  being  entrapped  this  way." 

"  Yes,  to  me,"  replied  Nancy,  with  scorn.  "  And, 
depend  upon  it,  you  will  have  your  deserts  before  the  sun 
is  one  hour  in  the  heavens." 

**  Mistress  Nancy,  I  must  beg  you  to  walk  your  watch 
like  a  lady,  and  not  to  be  corresponding  with  my  prisoner 
anyhow,  whether  you  talk  raison  or  traison,  as  may 
happen  to  suit  your  convanience,"  observed  the  man  who 
was  guard  over  Cornbury. 

"Be  aisy,  my  jewel,"  replied  Nancy,  mimicking  the 
Irishman,  "and  Til  be  as  silent  as  a  magpie,  anyhow. 
And,  Mr  Fitzpatrick,  you'll  just  be  plased  to  keep  your 
two  eyes  upon  your  prisoner,  and  not  be  staring  at  me, 
following  me  up  and  down,  as  you  do,  with  those  twinklers 
of  yours." 

"A  cat  may  look  at  a  king.  Mistress  Nancy,  and  no 
harm  done  either." 

**  You  forget,  Mr  Fitzpatrick,"  replied  Nancy,  **  that  I 
am  now  a  modest  woman." 

"  More's  the  pity,  Mrs  Nancy,  I  wish  you'd  forget  it 
too,  and  I  dying  of  love  for  you." 

Nancy  walked  away  to  the  end  of  the  platform  to  avoid 
further  conversation.  The  day  was  now  dawning,  and 
as,  by  degrees,  the  light  was  thrown  upon  the  face  of 
Cornbury,  it  was  strange  to  witness  how  his  agitation  and 
his  fear  had  changed  all  the  ruby  carbuncles  on  his  face  to 
a  deadly  white.  He  called  to  Nancy  Corbett  in  a  humble 
tone  once  or  twice  as  she  passed  by  in  her  walk,  but 
received  no  reply  further  than  a  look  of  scorn.  As  soon 
as  it  was  broad  daylight,  Nancy  went  into  the  cave  to  call 
up  the  leader. 


ii8  Snarleyyow;  or, 

In  a  few  minutes  he  appeared,  with  the  rest  of  the 
smugglers. 

"Philip  Cornbury,"  said  he,  with  a  stern  and  un- 
relenting countenance,  "  you  would  have  betrayed  us  for 
the  sake  of  money." 

"  It  is  false,"  replied  Cornbury. 

**  False,  is  it  ? — you  shall  have  a  fair  trial.  Nancy 
Corbett,  give  your  evidence  before  us  all." 

Nancy  recapitulated  all  that  had  passed. 

"  I  say  again,  that  it  is  false,"  replied  Cornbury. 
*'  Where  is  the  woman  whom  she  states  to  have  told  her 
this  ?  This  is  nothing  more  than  assertion,  and  I  say  again, 
it  is  false.  Am  I  to  be  condemned  without  proofs  ?  Is  my 
life  to  be  sacrificed  to  the  animosity  of  this  woman,  who 
wishes  to  get  rid  of  me,  because " 

"  Because  what  ? "  interrupted  Nancy. 

**  Because  I  was  too  well  acquainted  with  you  before 
your  marriage,  and  can  tell  too  much." 

"Now,  curses  on  you,  for  a  liar  as  well  as  a  traitor  !  " 
exclaimed  Nancy.  "  What  I  was  before  I  was  married  is 
well  known ;  but  it  is  well  known,  also,  that  I  pleased  my 
fancy,  and  could  always  choose.  I  must,  indeed,  have  had 
a  sorry  taste  to  be  intimate  with  a  blotched  wretch  like 
you.  Sir,"  continued  Nancy,  turning  to  the  leader, 
"  it  is  false ;  and  whatever  may  be  said  against  me 
on  other  points,  Nancy  Dawson,  or  Nancy  Corbett, 
was  never  yet  so  vile  as  to  assert  a  lie.  I  put  it  to  you, 
sir,  and  to  all  of  you,  is  not  my  word  sufficient  in  this 
case  ? " 

The  smugglers  nodded  their  heads  in  assent. 

"  And,  now  that  is  admitted,  I  will  prove  his  villany 
and  falsehood.  Philip  Cornbury,  do  you  know  this 
paper  ? "  cried  Nancy,  taking  out  of  her  bosom  the 
agreement  signed  by  Vanslyperken,  which  she  had  picked 
up  on  the  night  when  Cornbury  had  torn  it  up  and  thrown 
it  away.  "Do  you  know  this  paper,  I  ask  you  ?  Read  it, 
sir,"  continued  Nancy,  handing  it  over  to  the  leader  of  the 
smugglers. 


The  Dog  Fiend  119 

The  paper  was  read,  and  the  inflexible  countenance  of 
the  leader  turned  towards  Cornbury, — who  saw  his  doom. 

"  Go  in,  Nancy  Corbett,  and  let  no  women  appear  till 
all  is  over." 

"  Liar ! "  said  Nancy,  spitting  on  the  ground  as  she 
passed  by  Cornbury. 

"  Bind  his  eyes,  and  lead  him  to  the  western  edge,"  said 
the  leader. 

"  Philip  Cornbury,  you  have  but  a  few  minutes  to  live. 
In  mercy,  you  may  see  the  holy  father,  if  you  wish  it." 

**  I'm  no  d d  papist,"  replied  Cornbury,  in  a  sulky 

tone. 

"  Lead  him  on  then." 

Cornbury  was  led  to  the  western  edge  of  the  flat,  where 
the  cliff*  was  most  high  and  precipitous,  and  then  made  to 
kneel  down. 

"  Fitzpatrick,"  said  the  leader,  pointing  to  the  con- 
demned. 

Fitzpatrick  walked  up  to  the  kneeling  man  with  his 
loaded  pistol,  and  then  the  others,  who  had  led  Cornbury 
to  the  edge  of  the  cliff",  retired. 

Fitzpatrick  cocked  the  lock. 

"Would  you  like  to  say,  'God  have  mercy  on  my 
treacherous  sinful  sowl,'  or  anything  short  and  sweet  like 
that  ? "  said  Fitzpatrick ;  "if  so,  I'll  wait  a  couple  of 
seconds  more  for  your  convanience,  Philip  Cornbury." 

Cornbury  made  no  reply.  Fitzpatrick  put  the  pistol  to 
his  ear,  the  ball  whizzed  through  his  brain,  the  body  half 
raised  itself  from  its  knees  with  a  strong  muscular  action, 
and  then  toppled  over  and  disappeared  down  the  side  of 
the  precipice. 

"  It's  to  be  hoped  that  the  next  time  you  lave  this 
world.  Master  Cornbury,  it  will  be  in  a  purliter  sort  of 
manner.  A  civil  question  demands  a  civil  answer  any- 
how," said  Fitzpatrick,  coolly  rejoining  the  other  men. 


I20  Snarleyyow;  or, 


Chapter  XVIII 

The  whole  of  which  has  been  fudged  out  of  the  History  of  England,  and 
will  therefore  be  quite  new  to  the  majority  of  our  readers. 

Were  we  in  want  of  materials  for  this  eventful  history, 
we  have  now  a  good  opportunity  for  spinning  out  our 
volumes  ;  but,  so  far  from  this  being  the  case,  we  hardly 
know  how  to  find  space  for  what  it  is  now  absolutely 
necessary  that  the  reader  should  be  acquainted  with.  Our 
friends  may  probably  recollect,  when  we  remind  them  of 
the  fact,  that  there  was  a  certain  king,  James  II.,  who  sat 
upon  our  throne,  and  who  was  a  very  good  Catholic — that 
he  married  his  daughter,  Mary,  to  one  William  of  Orange, 
who,  in  return  for  James's  kindness  in  giving  him  his 
daughter,  took  away  from  him  his  kingdom,  on  the  plea, 
that  if  he  was  a  bad  son-in-law,  at  all  events,  he  was  a 
sound  Protestant.  They  may  also  recollect,  that  the 
exiled  king  was  received  most  hospitably  by  the  grand 
monarque,  Louis  XIV.,  who  gave  him  palaces,  money,  and 
all  that  he  required,  and,  moreover,  gave  him  a  fine  army 
and  fleet  to  go  to  Ireland  and  recover  his  kingdom,  bidding 
him  farewell  with  this  equivocal  sentence,  "  That  the  best 
thing  he,  Louis,  could  wish  to  him  was,  never  to  see  his 
face  again."  They  may  further  recollect,  that  King  James 
and  King  William  met  at  the  battle  of  the  Boyne,  in  which 
the  former  was  defeated,  and  then  went  back  to  St 
Germains  and  spent  the  rest  of  his  life  in  acts  of  devotion 
and  plotting  against  the  life  of  King  William.  Now, 
among  other  plots  real  and  pretended,  there  was  one  laid 
in  1695,  to  assassinate  King  William  on  his  way  to  Rich- 
mond; this  plot  was  revealed,  many  of  the  conspirators 
were  tried  and  executed,  but  the  person  who  was  at  the 
head  of  it,  a  Scotchman,  of  the  name  of  Sir  George 
Barclay,  escaped.  In  the  year  1 696,  a  bill  was  passed, 
by  which  Sir  George  Barclay  and  nine  others  who  had 
escaped  from  justice,  were  attainted  of  high  treason,  if  they 


The  Dog  Fiend  121 

did  not  choose  to  surrender  themselves  on  or  before  the 
25th  day  of  March  ensuing.  Strange  to  say,  these  parties 
did  not  think  it  advisable  to  surrender  themselves  ;  perhaps 
it  was  because  they  knew  that  they  were  certain  to  be 
hung ;  but  it  is  impossible  to  account  for  the  actions  of 
men :  we  can  only  lay  the  facts  before  our  readers. 

Sir  George  Barclay  was  by  birth  a  Scotchman,  of  high 
family,  and  well  connected.  He  had  been  an  officer  in  the 
army  of  King  James,  to  whom  he  was  strongly  attached. 
Moreover,  he  was  a  very  bigoted  Catholic.  Whether  he 
ever  received  a  commission  from  King  James,  authorising 
him  to  assassinate  King  William,  has  never  been  proved ; 
but,  as  King  James  is  well  known  to  have  been  admitted 
into  the  order  of  the  Jesuits,  it  is  not  at  all  unlikely.  Cer- 
tain it  is,  that  the  baronet  went  over  to  St  Germains, 
landed  again  in  England,  and  would  have  made  the  attempt, 
had  not  the  plot  been  discovered  through  some  of  the  in- 
ferior accomplices ;  and  it  is  equally  sure  that  he  escaped, 
although  many  others  were  hung — and  few  people  knew 
what  had  become  of  him.  The  fact  was,  that  when  Barclay 
had  fled  to  the  sea-side,  he  was  assisted  over  the  water  by 
a  band  of  smugglers,  who  first  concealed  him  in  the  cave 
we  have  described,  which  was  their  retreat.  This  led  to 
a  communication  and  arrangement  with  them.  Sir  George 
Barclay,  who,  although  foiled  in  his  attempt  at  assassina- 
tion, never  abandoned  the  cause,  immediately  perceived 
what  advantages  might  be  derived  in  keeping  up  a  com- 
munication by  means  of  these  outlaws.  For  some  time 
the  smugglers  were  employed  in  carrying  secret  despatches 
to  the  friends  of  James  in  England  and  Scotland ;  and,  as 
the  importance  of  the  correspondence  increased,  and  it 
became  necessary  to  have  personal  interviews  instead  of 
written  communications.  Sir  George  frequently  passed  over 
to  the  cave  as  a  rendezvous,  at  which  he  might  meet  the 
adherents  of  the  exiled  king.  In  the  course  of  time  he 
saw  the  prudence  of  having  the  entire  control  of  the 
band,  and  found  little  difficulty  in  being  appointed 
their   leader.      From   the   means    he   obtained    from    St 


122  Snarleyyow;  or, 

Germains,  the  smuggling  was  now  carried  on  to  a  great 
and  very  profitable  extent ;  and  by  the  regulations  which 
he  enacted,  the  chance  of  discovery  was  diminished.  Only 
one  point  more  was  requisite  for  safety  and  secrecy,  which 
was,  a  person  to  whom  he  could  confide  the  charge  of  the 
cave.  Lady  Barclay,  who  was  equally  warm  in  the  cause, 
offered  her  services,  and  they  were  accepted ;  and  at  the 
latter  end  of  the  year  1 696,  about  one  year  after  the  plot 
had  failed.  Lady  Barclay,  with  her  only  child,  took  up  her 
abode  in  this  isolated  domicile ;  Sir  George  then  first 
making  the  arrangement  that  the  men  should  always  remain 
on  the  other  side  of  the  water,  which  would  be  an  addi- 
tional cause  of  security.  For  upwards  of  four  years.  Lady 
Barclay  had  remained  an  inmate,  attending  to  the  instruction 
of  her  little  Lilly,  and  carrying  on  all  the  correspondence, 
and  making  all  the  necessary  arrangements  with  vigour  and 
address,  satisfied  with  serving  the  good  cause,  and  proving 
her  devoted  allegiance  to  her  sovereign.  Unfortunate  and 
unwise  as  were  the  Stuart  family,  there  must  have  been 
some  charm  about  them,  for  they  had  instances  of  attach- 
ment and  fidelity  shown  to  them,  of  which  no  other  line 
of  kings  could  boast. 

Shortly  after  the  tragical  event  recorded  in  the  last 
chapter,  the  Jesuit  came  out  of  the  cave  and  went  up  to 
Sir  George,  who  coolly  observed,  "  We  have  just  been 
sending  a  traitor  to  his  account,  good  father." 

"  So  may  they  all  perish,"  replied  the  priest.  "  We 
start  this  evening  ?  " 

"  Certainly.     What  news  have  you  for  St  Germains  ? " 

"  Much  that  is  important.  Discontent  prevails  through- 
out the  country.  The  affair  of  Bishop  Watson  hath 
brought  much  odium  on  the  usurper.  He  himself  writhes 
under  the  tyrannical  commands  of  the  Commons,  and  is  at 
issue  with  them." 

"  And  in  Scotland,  father  ?" 

"  All  is  there  ripe  and  ready — and  an  army  once  landed, 
would  be  joined  by  thousands.  The  injustice  of  the  usurpei 
in  wishing  to  sacrifice  the  Scotch  Settlement,  has  worked 


The  Dog  Fiend  123 

deep  upon  the  minds  of  those  who  advanced  their  money 
upon  that  speculation — in  the  total,  a  larger  sum  than  ever 
yet  was  raised  in  Scotland.  Our  emissaries  have  fanned 
the  flame  up  to  the  highest  pitch." 

"  To  my  thoughts,  good  father,  there  needed  not  further 
discontent.  Have  we  not  our  king  dethroned,  and  our 
holy  religion  persecuted  ? " 

*'  True,  my  son — true  ;  but  still  we  must  lose  no  means 
by  which  we  may  increase  the  number  of  our  adherents. 
Some  are  swayed  by  one  feeling,  and  some  by  another. 
We  have  contrived  to  throw  no  small  odium  upon  the 
usurper  and  betrayer  of  his  wife's  father,  by  exposing  and 
magnifying,  indeed,  the  sums  of  money  which  he  has 
lavished  upon  his  courtesan.  Mistress  Villiers,  now,  by  his 
heretic  and  unsanctified  breath,  raised  into  the  peerage  by 
the  title  of  Countess  of  Orkney.  All  these  items  added 
together,  form  a  vast  sum  of  discontent;  and  could  we 
persuade  his  Catholic  majesty  to  rouse  himself  to  assert 
once  more  his  rights  by  force  of  arms,  I  should  not  fear  for 
the  result." 

"Had  I  not  been  betrayed,"  observed  Sir  George, 
musing,  "  before  this  the  king  would  have  had  his  own 
again." 

"  And  thrice  blessed  would  have  been  the  arm  that  had 
laid  the  usurper  low,"  rejoined  the  Jesuit ;  "  but  more  of 
this  hereafter.  Your  lady  hath  had  much  converse  with 
me.  She  thinks  that  the  character  of  the  man  who  com- 
mands that  cutter,  is  such  as  to  warrant  his  services  for 
gold — and  wishes  to  essay  him." 

"The  woman  Corbett  is  of  that  opinion,  and  she  is 
subtle.  At  all  events,  it  can  be  tried ;  for  he  would  be  of 
much  utility,  and  there  would  be  no  suspicion.  The  whole 
had  better  be  left  to  her  arrangement.  "We  may  employ, 
and  pay,  yet  not  trust  him." 

"That  is  exactly  what  Lady  Alice  had  proposed," 
replied  the  Jesuit.  Here  Lilly  came  out  to  tell  her  father 
that  the  morning  meal  was  ready,  and  they  all  returned  to 
the  cave. 


124  Snarleyyow;  or, 

That  evening  the  boat  was  launched,  and  the  Jesuit 
went  over  with  Sir  George,  and  landed  at  Cherbourg,  from 
whence  they  both  proceeded  with  all  expedition  to  the 
court  of  King  James. 

We  have  entered  into  this  short  detail,  that  the  reader 
may  just  know  the  why  and  the  wherefore  these  parties  in 
the  cave  were  introduced,  and  now  we  shall  continue  our 
most  faithful  and  veracious  history. 


Chapter  XIX 

In  which  Smallbones  is  sent  to  look  after  a  pot  of  black  paint. 

We  must  now  return  to  the  cutter,  which  still  remains  at 
anchor  off  the  Point  in  Portsmouth  harbour.  It  is  a  dark, 
murky,  blowing  day,  with  gusts  of  rain  and  thick  fog. 
Mr  Vanslyperken  is  more  than  usually  displeased,  for,  as 
he  had  to  wait  for  the  new  boat  which  he  had  demanded, 
he  thought  this  a  good  opportunity  of  enlivening  the  bends 
of  the  Tungfrau  with  a  little  black  paint — not  before  it  was 
required,  most  certainly,  for  she  was  as  rusty  in  appearance 
as  if  she  had  been  built  of  old  iron.  But  paint  fetched 
money,  and  as  Mr  Vanslyperken  always  sold  his,  it  was 
like  parting  with  so  much  of  his  own  property,  when  he 
ordered  up  the  paint-pots  and  brushes.  Now  the  operation 
of  beautifying  the  Tungfrau  had  been  commenced  the  day 
before,  and  the  unexpected  change  in  the  weather  during 
the  night,  had  washed  off  the  greater  portion  of  the  paint, 
and  there  was  not  only  all  the  trouble,  but  all  the  expense, 
to  be  incurred  again.  No  wonder  that  Mr  Vanslyperken 
was  in  a  bad  humour — not  only  in  a  bad  humour,  but  in 
the  very  worst  of  humours.  He  had  made  up  his  mind  to 
go  on  shore  to  see  his  mother,  and  was  pacing  the  quarter- 
deck in  his  great-coat,  with  his  umbrella  under  his  arm,  all 
ready  to  be  unfurled  as  soon  as  he  was  on  shore.  He  was 
just  about  to  order  his  boat  to  be  manned  :  Mr  Vansly- 


The  Dog  Fiend  125 

perken  looked  up  at  the  weather — the  fog  was  still  thick, 
and  the  rain  fell.  You  could  not  even  make  out  the 
houses  on  the  point.  The  wind  had  gone  down  con- 
siderably. Mr  Vanslyperken  looked  over  the  gunnel — the 
damage  was  even  greater  than  he  thought.  He  looked 
over  the  stern,  there  was  the  stage  still  hanging  where 
the  painters  had  been  standing  or  sitting,  and,  what  was 
too  bad,  there  was  a  pot  of  paint,  with  the  brush  in  it,  half 
full  of  rain  water,  which  some  negligent  person  had  left 
there.  Mr  Vanslyperken  turned  forward  to  call  somebody 
to  take  the  paint  below,  but  the  decks  were  empty,  and  it 
was  growing  dark.  A  sudden  thought,  instigated  no 
doubt  by  the  devil,  filled  the  brain  of  Mr  Vanslyperken. 
It  was  a  glorious,  golden  opportunity,  not  to  be  lost.  He 
walked  forward,  and  went  down  into  his  cabin  again, 
where  he  found  Smallbones  helping  himself  to  biscuit,  for 
the  lad  was  hungry,  as  well  he  might  be ;  but  on  this 
occasion  Mr  Vanslyperken  took  no  notice. 

"  Smallbones,"  said  he,  **  one  of  the  men  has  left  his 
paint-pot  on  the  stage,  under  the  stern,  go  and  bring  it  in 
immediately." 

"  Yes,  sir,"  replied  Smallbones,  surprised  at  the  un- 
usually quiet  style  of  his  master's  address  to  him. 

Smallbones  ran  up  the  ladder,  went  aft,  and  slid  down 
by  the  rope  which  held  the  plank  used  as  a  stage  by  the 
painters.  Mr  Vanslyperken  seized  his  carving-knife,  and 
following  softly  on  deck,  went  aft.  He  took  a  hurried 
look  forward — there  was  no  one  on  deck.  For  a  moment, 
he  hesitated  at  the  crime ;  he  observed  the  starboard  rope 
shake,  for  Smallbones  was  just  about  to  shin  up  again. 
The  devil  prevailed.  Mr  Vanslyperken  sawed  through 
the  rope,  heard  the  splash  of  the  lad  in  the  water,  and, 
frightened  at  his  own  guilt,  ran  down  below,  and  gained 
his  cabin.  There  he  seated  himself,  trembling  like  an 
aspen  leaf.  It  was  the  first  time  that  he  had  been  a 
murderer.  He  was  pale  as  ashes.  He  felt  sick,  and  he 
staggered  to  his  cupboard,  poured  out  a  tumbler  of 
scheedam,  and  drank  it  off  at  a  draught.     This  recovered 


126  Snarleyyow;  or, 

him,  and  he  again  felt  brave.  He  returned  on  deck,  and 
ordered  his  boat  to  be  manned,  which  was  presently  done. 
Mr  Vanslyperken  would  have  given  the  world  to  have 
gone  aft,  and  to  have  looked  over  the  stern,  but  he  dared 
not  •,  so,  pushing  the  men  into  the  boat,  he  slipped  in,  and 
was  pulled  on  shore.  Without  giving  any  directions  to 
the  men  he  stepped  out,  and  felt  a  relief  when  he  found 
himself  on  terra  iirma.  He  walked  away  as  fast  as  he 
could — he  felt  that  he  could  not  walk  fast  enough — he 
was  anxious  to  arrive  at  his  mother's.  The  rain  fell  fast, 
but  he  thought  not  of  his  umbrella,  it  remained  under  his 
arm,  and  Mr  Vanslyperken,  as  if  he  were  chased  by  a 
fiend,  pushed  on  through  the  fog  and  rain ;  he  wanted  to 
meet  a  congenial  soul,  one  who  would  encourage,  console 
him,  ridicule  his  fears,  and  applaud  the  deed  which  he 
would  just  then  have  given  the  world  to  have  recalled. 

Where  could  he  seek  one  more  fitted  to  the  purpose 
than  his  mother  ?  The  door  of  the  house  where  she 
lodged  was  common  to  many,  and  therefore  opened  with 
a  latch.  He  went  in,  and  up-stairs,  tried  the  door  of  his 
mother's  room,  and  found  it  fastened  within.  He  knocked, 
heard  the  grumbling  of  the  old  woman  at  her  being 
obliged  to  rise  from  her  chair :  she  opened  the  door,  and 
Vanslyperken,  as  soon  as  he  was  in,  slammed  it  to,  and 
exhausted  with  his  emotions,  fell  back  in  a  chair. 

"Hey  day!  and  what's  the  matter  now?"  cried  the 
old  woman,  in  Dutch ;  "  one  would  think  that  you  had 
been  waylaid,  robbed,  and  almost  murdered." 

"  Murdered  !  "  stammered  Vanslyperken ;  "  yes — it 
was  murder." 

"  What  was  murder,  my  child?"  replied  the  old  woman, 
reseating  herself. 

**  Did  I  say  murder,  mother  ? "  said  Vanslyperken, 
wiping  the  blended  rain  and  perspiration  from  his  brow 
with  a  cotton  handkerchief. 

"Yes,  you  did,  Cornelius  Vanslyperken;  not  that  I 
believe  a  craven  like  you  would  ever  attempt  such  a 
thing." 


The  Dog  Fiend  127 

**  But  I  have,  mother.  I  have  done  the  deed,"  replied 
Vanslyperken. 

**  You  have  !  "  cried  his  mother ;  "  then  at  last  you  have 
done  something,  and  I  shall  respect  you.  Come,  come, 
child,  cheer  up,  and  tell  me  all  about  it.  There  is  a  slight 
twinge  the  first  time — but  the  second  is  nothing.  Did 
you  get  gold  ?     Hey,  my  son,  plenty  of  gold  ?  " 

"  Gold  !  no,  no — I  got  nothing — indeed  I  lost  by  it — 
lost  a  pot  full  of  black  paint — but  never  mind  that.  He's 
gone,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  recovering  himself  fast. 

'*  Who  is  gone  ?  " 

"The  lad,  Smallbones." 

"Pish,"  repHed  the  old  woman,  rocking  her  chair. 
-"  Ay,  well,  never  mind — it  was  for  revenge,  then — that's 
sweet — very  sweet.     Now,  Cornelius,  tell  me  all  about  it." 

Vanslyperken,  encouraged  by  the  sympathy,  if  we  may 
use  the  term,  shown  by  his  mother,  narrated  what  he  had 
done. 

"Well,  well,  child,  'tis  a  beginning,"  replied  the  old 
woman,  "  and  I'll  not  call  you  craven  again." 

"  I  must  go  back,"  said  Vanslyperken,  starting  up  from 
his  chair. 

"  Go,  child,  it  is  late — and  dream  it  over.  Vengeance 
is  sweet,  even  in  sleep.  I  have  had  mine — and  for  years 
have  I  dwelt  on  it — and  shall  for  years  to  come.  I  shall 
not  die  yet — no,  no." 

Vanslyperken  quitted  the  house ;  the  weather  had 
cleared  up,  the  breeze  was  fresh  and  piercing,  and  the 
stars  twinkled  every  now  and  then,  as  the  wild  scud 
which  flew  across  the  heavens  admitted  them  to  view. 
Vanslyperken  walked  fast — he  started  at  the  least  sound — 
he  hurried  by  everyone  whom  he  met,  as  if  fearful  to  be 
recognised — he  felt  relieved  when  he  had  gained  the 
streets  of  Portsmouth,  and  he  at  last  arrived  at  the  Point ; 
but  there  was  no  cutter's  boat,  for  he  had  given  no  orders. 
He  was  therefore  obliged  to  hire  one  to  go  on  board. 
The  old  man  whom  he  engaged  shoved  into  the  stream ; 
the  tide  was  running  in  rapidly. 


128  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"  A  cold  night,  sir,"  observed  the  man. 

**  Yes,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  mechanically. 

**  And  a  strong  tide,  with  the  wind  to  back  it.  He'd 
have  but  a  poor  chance,  who  fell  overboard  such  a  night 
as  this.  The  strongest  swimmer,  without  help,  would 
be  soon  in  eternity." 

Vanslyperken  shuddered.  "Where  was  Smallbones  at 
this  moment  ?  and  then,  the  mention  of  eternity  ! 

*'  Silence,  man,  silence,"  said  Vanslyperken. 

**  Hope  no  offence,  Mr  Lieutenant,"  replied  the  man, 
who  knew  who  his  fare  was. 

The  boat  pulled  alongside  of  the  Tungfrau,  and  Van- 
slyperken paid  his  unusual  fare,  and  stepped  on  the  deck. 
He  went  down  below,  and  had  the  precaution  to  summon 
Smallbones  to  bring  lights  aft.  The  word  was  passed 
along  the  lower  deck,  and  Vanslyperken  sat  down  in 
the  dark,  awaiting  the  report  that  Smallbones  couHi^^  not 
be  found. 

Snarleyyow  went  up  to  his  master,  and  rubbed  his  cold 
nose  against  his  hand,  and  then,  for  the  first  time,  it 
occurred  to  Vanslyperken,  that  in  his  hurry  to  leave  the 
vessel,  he  had  left  the  dog  to  the  mercy  of  his  enemies. 
During  the  time  that  Vanslyperken  waited  for  the  report 
of  the  lights,  he  passed  over  in  his  mind  the  untoward 
events  which  had  taken  place — the  loss  of  the  widow's 
good-will,  the  loss  of  Corporal  Van  Spitter,  who  was 
adrift  in  the  Zuyder  Zee,  the  loss  of  five  thousand  pounds 
through  the  dog,  and,  strange  to  say,  what  vexed  him 
more,  the  loss  of  the  dog's  eye ;  and  when  he  thought 
of  all  these  things  his  heart  was  elated,  and  he  rejoiced 
in  the  death  of  Smallbones,  and  no  longer  felt  any  com- 
punction. But  a  light  is  coming  aft,  and  Vanslyperken 
is  waiting  the  anticipated  report.  It  is  a  solitary  purser's 
dip,  as  they  are  termed  at  sea,  emitting  but  feeble  rays, 
and  Vanslyperken's  eyes  are  directed  to  the  door  of  the 
cabin  to  see  who  carries  it.  To  his  horror,  his  dismay, 
it  is  brought  in  by  the  drowned  Smallbones,  who,  with  a 
cadaverous,  and  as  he  supposes,  unearthly  face  and  vacant 


The  Dog  Fiend  129 

look,  drawls  out,  **  It's  a-blowed  out  twice,  sir,  with  the 
wind." 

Vanslyperken  started  up,  with  his  eyes  glaring  and 
fixed.  There  could  be  no  mistake.  It  was  the  apparition 
of  the  murdered  lad,  and  he  fell  back  in  a  state  of  un- 
consciousness. 

"  You've  a-got  it  this  time,"  said  Smallbones,  chuckling 
as  he  bent  over  the  body  of  the  lieutenant  with  his  purser's 
dip,  and  perceived  that  he  was  in  a  state  of  insensibility. 

Had  Mr  Vanslyperken  had  the  courage  to  look  over 
the  stern  of  the  cutter  when  he  re-ascended  on  the  deck, 
he  would  have  discovered  Smallbones  hanging  on  by  the 
rudder  chains;  for  had  the  fog  not  been  so  thick,  Mr 
Vanslyperken  would  have  perceived  that  at  the  time  that 
he  cut  Smallbones  adrift  it  was  slack  water,  and  the  cutter 
was  lying  across  the  harbour.  Smallbones  was  not,  there- 
fore, carried  away  by  the  tide,  but  being  a  very  fair 
swimmer,  had  gained  the  rudder  chains  without  difficulty  •, 
but  at  the  time  that  Smallbones  was  climbing  up  again  by 
the  rope,  he  had  perceived  the  blade  of  the  carving-knife 
working  at  the  rope,  and  was  assured  that  Vanslyperken 
was  attempting  his  life.  When  he  gained  the  rudder 
chains,  he  held  on.  At  first  he  thought  of  calling  for 
assistance ;  but  hearing  Vanslyperken  order  his  boat  to 
be  manned,  the  lad  then  resolved  to  wait  a  little  longer, 
and  allow  his  master  to  think  that  he  was  drowned.  The 
result  was  as  Smallbones  intended.  As  soon  as  the  lad 
saw  the  boat  was  out  of  hearing  he  called  out  most  lustily, 
and  was  heard  by  those  on  board,  and  rescued  from  his 
cold  immersion.  He  answered  no  questions  which  were 
put  to  him  till  he  had  changed  his  clothing  and  recovered 
himself,  and  then  with  great  prudence  summoned  a  council, 
composed  of  Short,  Coble,  and  Jemmy  Ducks,  to  whom 
he  narrated  what  had  taken  place.  A  long  consultation 
succeeded,  and  at  last  it  was  agreed  that  Smallbones 
should  make  his  appearance  as  he  did,  and  future  arrange- 
ments to  be  taken  according  to  circumstances. 

As  soon  as  Smallbones  had  ascertained  the  situation  of 


130  Snarleyyow;  or, 

his  master,  he  went  forward  and  reported  it  to  Dick  Short, 
who  with  Coble  came  aft  in  the  cabin.  Short  looked  at 
Vanslyperken. 

**  Conscience,"  said  Short. 

"  And  a  d d  bad  un,  too,"  replied  Coble,  hitching 

up  his  trousers.     "  What's  to  be  done,  Short  ?  " 

"  Nothing,"  replied  Short. 

"  Just  my  idea,"  replied  Coble  -,  **  let  him  come  to  if  he 
pleases,  or  die  and  be  d d.     "Who  cares  ? " 

*'  Nobody,"  replied  Short. 

**  My  eyes,  but  he  must  have  been  frightened,"  said 
Smallbones ;  "  for  he  has  left  the  key  in  the  cupboard. 
I'll  see  what's  in  it  for  once  and  away." 

Snarleyyow,  when  Smallbones  opened  the  cupboard, 
appeared  to  have  an  intuitive  idea  that  he  was  trespassing, 
so  he  walked  out  growling  from  under  the  table ;  Short 
saluted  him  with  a  kick  in  the  ribs,  which  tossed  him 
under  the  feet  of  Coble,  who  gave  him  a  second  with 
his  fisherman's  boots,  and  the  dog  howled,  and  ran  out 
of  the  cabin.  O  Mr  Vanslyperken  !  see  what  your  favourite 
was  brought  to,  because  you  did  not  come  to. 

At  this  time  Smallbones  had  his  nose  in  the  stone  jar  of 
scheedam — the  olfactory  examination  was  favourable,  so  he 
put  his  mouth  to  it — the  labial  essay  still  more  so,  so  he 
took  down  a  wine  glass,  and,  without  any  ceremony,  filled 
a  bumper,  and  handed  it  to  Coble. 

"  We'll  drink  to  his  recovery,"  said  Obadiah,  tossing  off 
the  contents. 

"  Yes,"  replied  Short,  who  waited  till  the  glass  was  re- 
filled, and  did  the  same. 

"  Here's  bad  luck  to  him  in  his  own  good  stuff,"  said 
Smallbones,  tossing  off  a  third  glass,  and,  filling  it  again, 
he  handed  it  to  Coble. 

"  Here's  reformation  to  him,"  said  Coble,  draining  the 
glass  again. 

**  Yes,"  replied  Short,  taking  the  replenished  vessel. 

**  Here's  d n  to  him  and  his  dog  for  ever  and  ever. 

Amen,"  cried  Smallbones,  tippling  off  his  second  allowance. 


The  Dog  Fiend  '         131 

"  Who's  there  ?  "  said  Vanslyperken  in  a  faint  voice, 
opening  his  eyes  with  a  vacant  look. 

Smallbones  replaced  the  bottle  in  the  cupboard,  and 
replied,  **  It's  only  Smallbones,  sir,  and  the  mates,  come  to 
help  you." 

**  Smallbones  !  "  said  Vanslyperken,  still  wandering. 
**  Smallbones  is  drowned — and  the  whole  pot  of  black 
paint." 

*'  Conscience,"  said  Short. 

"  Carving-knife,"  rejoined  Coble. 

**  Carving-knife !  "  said  Vanslyperken,  raising  himself 
up  ;  **I  never  said  a  word  about  a  carving-knife,  did  I? 
Who  is  it  that  I  see  ?  Short — and  Coble — help  me  up. 
I've  had  a  sad  fall.  Where's  Smallbones  ?  Is  he  alive — 
really  alive  ? " 

*'  I  believe  as  how  I  bees,"  replied  Smallbones. 

Mr  Vanslyperken  had  now  recovered  his  perfect  senses. 
He  had  been  raised  on  a  chair,  and  was  anxious  to  be  rid  of 
intruders,  so  he  told  Short  and  Coble  that  he  would  now 
do  very  well,  and  they  might  go  •,  upon  which,  without 
saying  a  word,  they  both  quitted  the  cabin. 

Mr  Vanslyperken  collected  himself— he  wished  to  know 
how  Smallbones  had  been  saved,  but  still  dared  not  broach 
the  subject,  as  it  would  be  admitting  his  own  guilt. 

"  What  has  happened,  Smallbones  ? "  said  Vanslyperken. 
"  I  still  feel  very  faint." 

*'  Take  a  glass  of  this,"  replied  Smallbones,  opening  the 
cupboard,  and  bringing  out  the  scheedam.  He  poured  out 
a  glass,  which  Vanslyperken  drank,  and  then  observed, 
"How  did  you  know  what  was  in  that  cupboard, 
sirrah  ? " 

*'  Because  you  called  for  it  when  you  were  in  your  fits," 
replied  Smallbones. 

*•  Called  for  scheedam  ? " 

**  Yes,  sir,  and  said  you  had  lost  the  carving-knife." 

**  Did  I  ? "  replied  Vanslyperken,  afraid  that  he  had 
committed  himself.  "  I  have  been  ill,  very  ill,"  continued 
he,  putting  his  hand  up  to  his  forehead.     "  By-the-bye, 


132  Snarleyyow;  or, 

Smallbones,  did  you  bring  in  that  pot  of  paint  ?  "  said  Van- 
slyperken,  adroitly. 

"  No,  sir,  I  didn't,  because  I  tumbled  overboard,  pot  and 
all,"  replied  Smallbones. 

"  Tumbled  overboard !  why,  I  did  not  leave  the  ship 
till  afterwards,  and  I  heard  nothing  about  it." 

"  No,  sir,  how  could  you  ?  "  replied  Smallbones,  who  was 
all  prepared  for  this  explanation,  **  when  the  tide  swept  me 
past  the  saluting  battery  in  a  moment." 

**  Past  the  saluting  battery  ? "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken, 
"  why,  how  were  you  saved  ? " 

**  Because,  thanks  to  somebody,  I  be  too  light  to  sink. 
I  went  out  to  the  Nab  buoy,  and  a  mile  ayond  it." 

**  The  Nab  buoy  !  "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken. 

"  Yes,  and  ayond  it,  afore  the  tide  turned,  and  then  I 
were  swept  back  again,  and  came  into  harbour  again,  just 
half-an-hour  afore  you  come  aboard." 

Mr  Vanslyperken  looked  aghast  -,  the  lad  must  have  had 
a  charmed  life.  Nine  miles  at  least  out  to  sea,  and  nine 
miles  back  again. 

**  It's  as  true  as  I  stand  here,  sir,"  continued  Smallbones  \ 
"  I  never  were  so  cold  in  all  my  life,  a-floating  about  like  a 
bit  of  duck-weed  with  the  tide,  this  way  and  that  way." 

**  As  true  as  you  stand  here  !  "  repeated  Vanslyperken  ^ 
"  but  do  you  stand  here  ?  "  and  he  made  a  desperate  grasp 
at  the  lad's  arm  to  ascertain  whether  he  held  substance  or 
shadow. 

**  Can  I  do  anything  more,  sir  ?  "  continued  Smallbones  ; 
"  for  I  should  like  to  turn  in — I'm  as  cold  as  ice,  even 
now." 

**  You  may  go,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  whose  mind  was 
again  becoming  confused  at  what  had  passed.  For  some 
time,  the  lieutenant  sat  in  his  chair,  trying  to  recollect  and 
reason ;  but  it  was  in  vain — the  shocks  of  the  day  had  been 
too  great.  He  threw  himself,  dressed  as  he  was,  upon  his 
bed — never  perceived  the  absence  of  his  favourite — the 
candle  was  allowed  to  burn  itself  to  the  socket,  and  Van- 
slyperken fell  off  into  a  trance-like  sleep. 


The  Dog  Fiend  133 


Chapter   XX 

In   which   Mr  Vanslyperken  proves  false  to  the  Widow  Vandersloosh,  and 
many  strange  things  take  place. 

Mr  Vanslyperken  was  awakened,  the  next  morning,  by 
the  yelping  of  his  dog,  who,  having  been  shut  out  of  the 
cabin,  had  ventured  up  the  ladder  in  the  morning  when  the 
men  were  washing  the  deck,  and  had  a  bucket  shied  at  him 
by  Jemmy  Ducks,  with  such  excellent  precision,  that  it 
knocked  him  over,  and  nearly  broke  his  hind  leg,  which  he 
now  carried  high  up  in  the  air  as  he  howled  upon  the  other 
three  at  the  cabin  door.  Mr  Vanslyperken  rose,  and  tried 
to  recollect  what  had  passed;  but  it  was  more  than  a 
minute  before  he  could  recall  the  circumstances  of  the  day 
before.  He  then  tried  to  call  to  mind  how  he  had  gone  to 
bed,  and  by  what  means  Snarleyyow  was  left  outside,  but 
he  could  make  nothing  of  it.  He  opened  the  cabin  door, 
and  let  in  the  dog,  whose  lame  leg  instantly  excited  his 
indignation,  and  he  then  rang  his  bell  for  Smallbones,  who 
soon  made  his  appearance. 

"  How  came  the  dog  out  of  the  cabin,  sir  ?  '* 

**  I'm  sure  I  don't  know,  sir  ;  I  never  put  him  out." 

**  Who  is  it  that  has  hurt  him  ?  " 

"  I'm  sure  I  don't  know,  sir  ;  I  never  touched  him.*' 

Vanslyperken  was  about  to  vent  his  anger,  when  Small- 
bones  said,  "  If  you  please,  I  don't  know  what's  a-going 
on.  Why  here,  sir,  the  men  washing  the  decks  have 
found  your  carving-knife  abaft,  by  the  trafFrail.  Somebody 
must  have  taken  it  there,  that's  sartain." 

Vanslyperken  turned  pale. 

"  Who  could  have  taken  it  ?  " 

*'  That's  what  I  said,  sir.  Who  dare  come  in  the  cabin 
to  take  the  knife  ?  and  what  could  they  have  taken  it  for, 
but  unless  it  was  to  cut  summut  ? "  And  Smallbones 
looked  his  master  full  in  the  face.     And   the   lieutenant 


134  Snarleyyow;  or, 

quailed  before  his  boy.  He  could  not  meet  his  gaze,  but 
turned  away. 

"  Very  odd,"  continued  Smallbones,  perceiving  the 
advantage  he  had  gained. 

"  Leave  the  cabin,  sir,"  cried  Vanslyperken. 

"  Sha'n't  I  make  no  inquiries  how  this  ere  knife  came 
there,  sir  ? "  replied  Smallbones. 

"  No,  sir,  mind  your  own  business.  I've  a  great  mind 
to  flog  you  for  its  being  found  there — all  your  careless- 
ness." 

"  That  would  be  a  pretty  go,"  murmured  Smallbones,  as 
he  shut  the  cabin  door. 

The  feeling  of  vengeance  against  Smallbones,  was  now 
redoubled  in  the  breast  of  his  master ;  and  the  only  regret 
he  felt  at  the  transactions  of  the  day  before  was,  that  the 
boy  had  not  been  drowned. 

"  I'll  have  him  yet,"  muttered  the  lieutenant ;  but  he 
forgot  that  he  was  shaving  himself,  and  the  involuntary 
movements  of  his  lips  caused  him  to  cut  a  large  gash  on 
his  right  cheek,  from  which  the  blood  trickled  fast. 

"  Curses  on  the" — (razor  he  was  going  to  say,  but  he 
changed  it  to)  "  — scoundrel !  " 

A  slice  with  a  razor  is  certainly  a  very  annoying  thing. 
After  a  certain  time,  Mr  Vanslyperken  finished  his  toilet, 
called  for  his  breakfast,  went  on  deck,  and  as  the  day  was 
fine,  ordered  the  paint  to  be  renewed,  and  then  went  on 
shore  to  ascertain  if  there  were  any  commands  for  him  at 
the  admiral's  office. 

As  he  walked  up  the  street  in  a  brown  study,  he  at  last 
observed  that  a  very  pretty  woman  dogged  him,  sometimes 
walking  a-head  and  looking  back,  at  others  dropping  astern, 
and  then  again  ranging  up  alongside.  He  looked  her  in 
the  face,  and  she  smiled  sweetly,  and  then  turned  her  head 
coquettishly,  and  then  looked  again  with  eyes  full  of  mean- 
ing. Now,  although  Mr  Vanslyperken  had  always  avoided 
amours  on  account  of  the  expense  entailed  upon  them,  yet 
he  was,  like  a  dry  chip,  very  inflammable,  and  the  extreme 
beauty  of  the  party  made  him  feel  unusual  emotions.     Her 


The  Dog  Fiend  135 

perseverance  too — and  her  whole  appearance  so  very 
respectable — so  superior  to  the  class  of  people  who 
generally  accosted  him.  He  thought  of  the  widow  and  her 
money-bags,  and  thought,  also,  how  infinitely  more  desir- 
able the  widow  would  be,  if  she  possessed  but  the  beauty 
of  the  present  party. 

'*  I  do  believe  I've  lost  my  way,"  exclaimed  the  young 
person.  **Pray,  sir,  can  you  tell  me  the  way  to  Castle 
Street,  for  I'm  almost  a  stranger  ?  And "  (added  she, 
laughing)  *'I  really  don't  know  my  way  back  to  my  own 
house." 

Castle  Street  was,  at  that  time,  one  of  the  best  streets 
in  Portsmouth,  as  Mr  Vanslyperken  well  knew.  This 
assured  him  of  her  respectability.  He  very  gallantly 
offered  his  arm  which,  after  a  little  demur,  was  accepted, 
and  Mr  Vanslyperken  conveyed  her  to  her  house.  Of 
course  she  could  do  no  less  than  ask  him  to  walk  up, 
and  Mr  Vanslyperken,  who  had  never  been  in  anything 
approaching  to  good  society,  was  in  astonishment  at  the 
furniture.  All  appeared  to  denote  wealth.  He  was  soon 
in  an  interesting  conversation,  and  by  degrees  found  out 
that  the  lady  was  a  young  widow  of  the  name  of  Malcolm, 
whose  husband  had  been  factor  to  the  new  company, 
called  the  East  India  Company ;  that  she  had  come  down 
to  Portsmouth  expecting  him  home,  and  that  she  had 
learnt  that  he  had  died  on  shore  a  few  days  before  his 
intended  embarkation  for  England.  Since  which,  as  she 
liked  the  place  and  the  society,  she  had  thoughts  of 
remaining  here. 

"  They  say  that  gold  in  India  is  to  be  had  for  nothing." 

"  It  must  be  very  plentiful,"  replied  the  widow,  "  if  I 
am  to  judge  by  the  quantity  my  poor  husband  sent  me 
home,  and  he  was  not  out  more  than  three  years.  He  left 
me  a  week  after  our  marriage." 

Here  the  lovely  widow  put  her  handkerchief  up  to  her 
eyes,  and  Mr  Vanslyperken  attempted  to  console  her. 

"It's  so  very  unpleasant  to  be  left  without  any  one  to 
advise  you,  and   exposed   to   be   cheated   so   dreadfully. 


136  Snarleyyow;  or, 

What  can  a  poor  lone  woman  do  ?  Did  you  ever  see  me 
before,  sir  ?  " 

"  I  never  did,"  replied  our  lieutenant.  **  May  I  ask  the 
same  question,  for  I  thought  you  appeared  to  know  me  ? " 

'*  O  yes  !  Fve  seen  you  very  often,  and  wished  to  know 
who  you  were,  but  I  was  ashamed  to  ask.  One  cannot  be 
too  particular  in  my  situation." 

Mr  Vanslyperken  was  much  pleased,  but  he  had  re- 
mained some  time,  and  he  thought  it  right  to  depart,  so 
he  rose  and  made  his  adieus. 

**I  hope  I  shall  see  you  again,"  cried  the  widow, 
earnestly.     **  You  will  call  again,  sir,  won't  you  ?  " 

"  Most  certainly,  and  with  the  greatest  pleasure,"  re- 
plied Vanslyperken. 

The  lady  extended  her  gloved  hand,  and  as  it  was  closed 
in  that  of  Vanslyperken,  he  thought  he  felt  a  slight,  a  very 
slight  pressure,  which  made  his  heart  leap.  And  then,  as  he 
shut  the  door,  she  gave  him  such  a  look — O  those  eyes  ! 
— they  pierced  right  through  the  heart  of  Vanslyperken. 

The  reader  may  not,  perhaps,  be  aware  who  this  gay 
widow  might  be.  It  was  Nancy  Corbett,  who  had,  by  the 
advice  of  Lady  Alice,  taken  this  step  to  entrap  Mr  Vansly- 
perken. Nancy  had  obtained  from  Moggy  all  the  particu- 
lars of  the  lieutenant's  wooing  of  the  widow  Vandersloosh, 
and  his  character  as  a  miser  and  a  coward.  Had  he  been  a 
miser  only,  she  would  have  attacked  by  gold  alone,  but 
being  a  coward,  it  was  decided  that  he  should  have  some 
further  stimulus  to  betray  his  country,  and  enlist  himself 
among  the  partisans  of  King  James. 

Beauty,  joined  with  wealth,  the  chance  of  possessing 
both,  with  the  attractive  arts  of  Nancy,  were  considered 
necessary  to  sway  him.  Indeed  they  were  so  far  right, 
that  had  any  one  made  the  bold  proposal  to  Vanslyperken 
of  joining  the  other  party,  and  offered  him  at  the  same 
time  ample  remuneration,  he  would  have  been  too 
suspicious  or  too  timorous  to  run  the  risk.  It  was 
necessary  to  win  him  over  by  means  which  appeared 
accidental    rather    than    otherwise.       The    difficulty    of 


The  Dog  Fiend  137 

correspondence  was  very  great ;  and  as  the  cutter  con- 
stantly was  despatched  to  the  Hague,  and  the  French 
had  agents  there,  not  only  letters,  but  even  messengers, 
might  be  sent  over  without  risk  and  without  suspicion; 
for  open  boats  being  then  the  only  means  of  communica- 
tion, during  the  wintry  part  of  the  year,  the  correspond- 
ence was  very  precarious,  and  at  long  intervals. 

Thus  was  Nancy  Corbett  changed  into  a  buxom  widow, 
all  for  the  good  cause,  and  well  did  she  perform  her  part ; 
for  there  was  no  lack  of  money  when  such  services  were 
required.  Vanslyperken  left  the  house  quite  enchanted. 
**  This  will  do,"  thought  he,  "  and  if  I  succeed,  Frau 
Vandersloosh  may  go  to  the  devil."  He  returned  on 
board,  unlocked  his  cabin,  where  Snarleyyow  had  been 
secured  from  the  machinations  of  Smallbones  and  other 
malcontents,  and  sat  down  to  enjoy  the  castle-building 
which  he  had  commenced  after  he  left  the  house.  He 
patted  his  dog,  and  apostrophised  it.  "  Yes,  my  poor 
brute,"  said  Vanslyperken,  **  your  master  will  get  a 
rich  widow,  without  it  being  necessary  that  you  should 
be  laid  dead  at  her  porch.  D — n  Frau  Vander- 
sloosh." 

The  widow  was  more  enchanting  when  Vanslyperken 
called  on  the  ensuing  day,  than  she  was  on  the  first. 
Her  advances  to  the  lieutenant  were  no  longer  doubtful 
to  him.  She  entered  freely  into  the  state  of  her  affairs, 
asked  his  advice  upon  money  matters,  and  fully  proved 
to  his  satisfaction  that,  independent  of  her  beauty,  she 
would  be  a  much  greater  catch  than  Frau  Vandersloosh. 
She  spoke  about  her  family,  said  that  she  expected  her 
brother  over,  but  that  he  must  come  incog.  ^  as  he  was 
attached  to  the  court  of  the  exiled  king,  lamented  the 
difficulty  of  receiving  letters  from  him,  and  openly  ex- 
pressed her  adherence  to  the  Stuart  family.  Vanslyperken 
appeared  to  make  very  little  objection  to  her  political 
creed;  in  fact,  he  was  so  fascinated  that  he  fell  blindly 
into  the  snare ;  he  accepted  an  invitation  to  dine  with  her 
on  that  very  day,  and  went  on  board  to  dress  himself  as 


138  Snarl eyyow;  or, 

fine  for  her  as  he  had  for  the  widow  Vandersloosh.  The 
lovely  widow  admired  his  uniform,  and  gave  him  many 
gentle  hints  upon  which  he  might  speak :  but  this  did 
not  take  place  until  a  tete-h-tete  after  dinner,  when  he 
was  sitting  on  a  sofa  with  her  (not  on  such  a  fubsy 
sofa  as  that  of  Frau  Vandersloosh,  but  one  worked  in 
tapestry) ;  much  in  the  same  position  as  we  once  intro- 
duced him  in  to  the  reader,  to  wit,  with  the  lady's  hand 
in  his.  Vanslyperken  was  flushed  with  wine,  for  Nancy 
had  pushed  the  bottle,  and,  at  last,  he  spoke  out  clearly 
what  his  aspirations  were.  The  widow  blushed,  laughed, 
wiped  her  eyes  as  if  to  brush  away  a  falling  tear,  and 
eventually,  with  a  slight  pressure  of  the  hand,  stammered 
that  she  did  not  know  what  to  say,  the  acquaintance  was 
so  short — it  was  so  unexpected — she  must  reflect  a  little : 
at  the  same  time,  she  could  not  but  acknowledge,  that 
she  had  been  taken  with  him  when  she  first  saw  him ; 
and  then  she  laughed  and  said,  that  she  did  really  begin 
to  believe  that  there  was  such  a  thing  as  love  at  first 
sight,  and  then — he  had  better  go  now,  she  wished  to 
b  alone — she  really  had  a  headache.  Oh !  Nancy 
Corbett !  you  were,  indeed,  an  adept  in  the  art  of 
seduction — no  wonder  that  your  name  has  been  handed 
down  to  posterity.  Mr  Vanslyperken  perceived  his 
advantage,  and  pressed  still  more,  until  the  blushing 
widow  declared  that  she  would  really  think  seriously 
about  the  matter,  if  on  further  acquaintance  she  found 
that  her  good  opinion  of  him  was  not  overrated. 

Vanslyperken  returned  on  board  intoxicated  with  his 
success.  On  his  arrival,  he  was  informed  that  a 
messenger  had  been  sent  for  him,  but  no  one  knew 
where  to  find  him,  and  that  he  must  be  at  the  admiral's 
early  the  next  morning,  and  have  all  ready  for  immediate 
sailing.  This  was  rather  annoying,  but  there  was  no 
help  for  it.  The  next  day  Vanslyperken  went  to  the 
admiral's,  and  received  orders  to  sail  immediately  to  the 
Hague  with  despatches  of  consequence,  being  no  less 
than  an  answer  from  King  William  to  the  States  General, 


The  Dog  Fiend  139 

Mr  Vanslyperken  proceeded  from  the  admiral's  to  the 
charming  widow,  to  whom  he  imparted  this  unwelcome 
intelligence.  She,  of  course,  was  grave,  and  listened  to 
his  protestations  with  her  little  finger  in  her  mouth,  and 
a  pensive,  down-cast  eye. 

"  How  long  will  you  be  away  ?  "  inquired  she. 

"But  a  week  or  ten  days  at  the  farthest.  I  shall  fly 
back  to  see  you  again." 

**  But,  tell  me  the  truth,  have  you  no  acquaintances 
there  ? — now,  tell  me  the  truth.     I  don't  mean  men." 

'*Upon  my  honour,  fair  widow,  I  don't  know  a  single 
woman  there,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  pleased  with  this 
little  appearance  of  jealousy ;  "  but  I'm  afraid  that  I 
must  leave  you,  for  the  admiral  is  very  severe." 

"  Will  you  do  me  one  favour,  Mr  Vanslyperken  ?" 

"  Anything  : — ask  what  you  will." 

**  I  want  this  letter  forwarded  to  my  brother — I  am 
very  anxious  about  it.  The  French  agent  there  will 
send  it  on ; — it  is  enclosed  to  him.  "Will  you  do  me  that 
favour,  my  dear  sir  ?  — I'm  sure  you  will  if " 

*' If  what?" 

"If  you  love  me,"  replied  the  widow,  laying  her  hand 
upon  Vanslyperken. 

"  I  will,  most  certainly,"  said  Vanslyperken,  taking  the 
letter  and  putting  it  in  his  pocket. 

"  Then  I  shall  ask  you  another,"  said  the  widow. 
"  You  will  think  me  very  foolish,  but  there  may  be  an 
opportunity — will  you  write  to  me — just  a  few  lines — only 
to  tell  me  that  you  have  given  the  letter,  that's  all — and  to 
say  how  you  are — don't  you  think  me  very  foolish  ? " 

"I  will  write,  dearest,  since  you  wish  it — and  now, 
good-bye." 

Vanslyperken  took  the  widow  round  the  waist,  and 
after  a  little  murmuring  and  reluctance,  was  permitted  to 
snatch  a  kiss.  Her  eyes  followed  him  mournfully  till  he 
shut  the  door  and  disappeared,  and  then  Nancy  Corbett 
gave  way  to  unbounded  mirth. 

"  So  the  fool  has  bit  already,"  thought  she ;  "  now  if 


140  Snarleyyow;  or, 

he  only  writes  to  me,  and  I  get  his  acknowledgment  of 
having  delivered  the  letter,  the  beast  is  in  my  power,  and 
I  can  hang  him  any  day  I  please.  Upon  his  honour,  he 
did  not  know  a  single  woman  there : — Lord  have  mercy ! 
— what  liars  men  are — but  we  can  sometimes  beat  them 
with  their  own  weapons."  And  Nancy's  thoughts  reverted 
to  her  former  life,  which  she  now  dwelt  upon  with  pain 
and  sorrow. 

Mr  Vanslyperken  returned  on  board ;  the  anchor  was 
weighed  immediately  that  the  boats  had  been  hoisted  up, 
and  the  Tungfrau  ran  out  with  a  fair  wind,  which  lasted 
until  the  evening,  when  it  fell  almost  calm,  and  the  cutter 
made  but  little  way  through  the  water.  Many  of  the  men 
were  conversing  on  the  forecastle  as  usual,  and  the  subject 
of  their  discourse  was  the  surmising  what  had  become  of 
Corporal  Van  Spitter.  In  one  point  they  all  appeared  to 
agree,  which  was,  that  they  hoped  he  would  never  return 
to  the  cutter. 

"If  he  does  I  owe  him  one,"  observed  Jemmy  Ducks. 
"  It's  all  through  him  that  my  wife  was  turned  out  of  the 
vessel." 

"  And  a  little  bit  from  her  tongue,  Jemmy,"  observed 
Coble. 

"  Why,  perhaps  so,"  replied  Jemmy  ;  *'  but  what  was  it 
set  her  tongue  loose  but  the  threat  of  him  to  flog  me,  and 
what  made  him  threaten  that  but  the  'peaching  of  that  fat 
marine  ? " 

**  Very  good  arguments.  Jemmy.  Well,  I  will  say  that 
for  your  wife.  Jemmy,  she  does  love  you,  and  there's  no 
sham  about  it." 

**  Never  mind  Jemmy's  wife,  let's  have  Jemmy's  song," 
said  Spurey ;  **  he  hasn't  piped  since  he  was  pulled  up  by 
the  corporal." 

"  No :  he  put  my  pipe  out,  the  hippopotamus.  Well, 
I'll  give  it  you — it  shall  be  about  what  we  are  talking  of, 
Obadiah."  Jemmy  perched  himself  on  the  fore-end  of  the 
booms,  and  sang  as  follows  : 


The  Dog  Fiend  141 

"  I  suppose  that  you  think  'cause  my  trousers  are  tarry, 
And  because  that  I  ties  my  long  hair  in  a  tail, 
While  landsmen  are  figged  out  as  fine  as  Lord  Harry, 

With  breast-pins  and  cravats  as  white  as  old  sail ; 

That  I'm  a  strange  creature,  a  know-nothing  ninny, 

But  fit  for  the  planks  for  to  walk  in  foul  weather  ; 

That  I  ha'n't  e'er  a  notion  of  the  worth  of  a  guinea, 

And  that  you,  Poll,  can  twist  me  about  as  a  feather,— 

Lord  love  you !  ! 

"  I  know  that  this  life  is  but  short  at  the  best  on't, 

That  Time  it  flies  fast,  and  that  work  must  be  done  ; 
That  when  danger  comes  'tis  as  well  for  to  jest  on't, 

'Twill  be  but  the  lighter  felt  when  it  do  come : 
If  you  think,  then,  from  this  that  I  an't  got  a  notion 

Of  a  heaven  above,  with  its  mercy  in  store, 
And  the  devil  below,  for  us  lads  of  the  ocean,  , 

Just  the  same  as  it  be  for  the  landsmen  on  shore, - 
Lord  love  you  !  ! 

"  If  because  I  don't  splice  with  some  true-hearted  woman, 

Who'd  doat  on  my  presence,  and  sob  when  I  sail, 

But  put  up  with  you,  Poll,  though  faithful  to  no  man, 

With  a  fist  that  can  strike,  and  a  tongue  that  can  rail ; 
'Tis  because  I'm  not  selfish,  and  know  'tis  my  duty 
If  I  marry  to  moor  by  my  wife,  and  not  leave  her, 
To  dandle  the  young  ones, — watch  over  her  beauty. 

D'ye  think  that  I'd  promise  and  vow,  then  deceive  her  ?— 
Lord  love  you  !  I 

«  I  suppose  that  you  think  'cause  I'm  free  with  my  money, 
Which  others  would  hoard  and  lock  up  in  their  chest, 
All  your  billing  and  cooing,  and  words  sweet  as  honey. 

Are  as  gospel  to  me  while  you  hang  on  my  breast ; 
But  no,  Polly,  no  ; — you  may  take  every  guinea, 

They'd  burn  in  my  pocket,  if  I  took  them  to  sea ; 
But  as  for  your  love,  Poll,  I  indeed  were  a  ninny, — 
D'ye  think  I  don't  know  you  cheat  others  than  me  ? 
Lord  love  you  !  !  " 

"Well,  that's  a  good  song,  Jemmy,  and  he  can't  pull 
you  up  for  that,  anyhow." 

Mr  Vanslyperken  appeared  to  think  otherwise,  for  he 
sent  a  marine  forward  to  say,  that  no  singing  would 
be  permitted  in  future,  and  that  they  were  immedi- 
ately to  desist. 

"  I  suppose  we  shall  have  a  song  considered  as  mutiny 


142  Snarleyyow;  or, 

soon,"  observed  Coble.  **  Ah,  well,  it's  a  long  lane  that 
has  no  turning." 

"  Yes,"  replied  Jemmy,  in  an  under  tone,  "  and  for 
every  rogue  there's  a  rope  laid  up.  Never  mind,  let 
us  go  below." 

Mr  Vanslyperken's  dreaming  thoughts  of  the  fair  widow 
were  nevertheless  occasionally  interrupted  by  others  not 
quite  so  agreeable.  Strange  to  say,  he  fully  believed  what 
Smallbones  had  asserted  about  his  being  carried  out  by  the 
tide  to  the  Nab  buoy  and  he  canvassed  the  question  in  his 
mind,  whether  there  was  not  something  supernatural  in 
the  affair,  a  sort  of  interposition  of  Providence  in  behalf  of 
the  lad,  which  was  to  be  considered  as  a  warning  to  him- 
self not  to  attempt  anything  further.  He  was  frightened, 
although  his  feeling  for  revenge  was  still  in  all  its  force. 
As  for  any  one  suspecting  him  of  having  attempted  the 
boy's  life,  he  had  recovered  from  that  feeling ;  even  if  they 
did,  who  dare  say  a  word  ?  There  was  another  point 
which  also  engrossed  the  moody  Vanslyperken,  which  was 
how  he  should  behave  relative  to  the  widow  Vandersloosh. 
Should  he  call  or  should  he  not  ?  he  cared  nothing  for  her, 
and  provided  he  could  succeed  with  the  Portsmouth  lady, 
he  would  pitch  her  to  the  devil ;  but  still  he  remembered 
the  old  proverb,  **  You  should  never  throw  away  dirty 
water  before  you  are  sure  of  clean."  After  some  cogitation 
he  determined  upon  still  pressing  his  suit,  and  hoped  at  the 
same  time  that  the  widow  would  not  admit  him  into  her 
presence.  Such  were  the  different  resolves  and  decisions 
which  occupied  the  mind  of  Mr  Vanslyperken  until  he 
dropped  his  anchor  at  Amsterdam,  when  he  ordered  his 
boat  to  go  on  shore,  and  gave  positive  directions  to  Dick 
Short  that  no  one  was  to  leave  the  cutter  on  any  pretence, 
for  he  was  determined  that  as  the  widow  would  not  have 
his  company,  she  should  not  have  the  profits  arising  from 
his  men  spending  their  money  at  her  house. 

**  So,"  cried  Coble,  after  the  boat  shoved  off,  "  liberty's 
stopped  as  well  as  singing.  What  next,  I  wonder?  I 
sha'n't  stand  this  long." 


The  Dog  Fiend  143 

"  No,"  replied  Short. 

"  Stop  till  he  makes  friends  with  the  widow,"  observed 
Bill  Spurey  ;  "  she'll  get  us  all  leave." 

"  Mein  Gott,  he  nebber  say  any  ting  before,"  observed 
Jansen. 

"No;  we  might  almost  go  and  come  as  we  wished. 
We  must  not  stand  this." 

"We  won't,"  replied  Jemmy  Ducks. 

"  No,"  replied  Short. 

While  the  crew  of  the  cutter  were  in  this  incipient 
state  of  mutiny,  Vanslyperken  bent  his  steps  to  deliver 
up  to  the  authorities  the  despatches  with  which  he 
was  charged;  and  having  so  done,  he  then  took  out  the 
letter  intrusted  to  him  by  Nancy  Corbett  and  read  the 
address.  It  was  the  same  street  in  which  lived  the 
Frau  Vandersloosh.  This  was  awkward,  as  Vanslyperken 
did  not  want  to  be  seen  by  her;  but  there  was  no 
help  for  it.  He  trusted  to  her  not  seeing  him,  and 
he  proceeded  thither:  he  ran  down  the  numbers  on 
the  doors  until  he  came  to  the  right  one,  which  was 
exactly  opposite  to  the  widow's  house: — this  was  more 
unfortunate.  He  rang  the  bell ;  it  was  some  time  before 
the  door  was  opened,  and  while  he  was  standing  there  he 
could  not  help  looking  round  to  see  if  any  one  saw  him. 
To  his  annoyance,  there  stood  the  widow  filling  up  her 
door  with  her  broad  frame,  and  Babette  peeping  over  her 
shoulder.  Mr  Vanslyperken,  as  there  was  only  the  canal 
and  two  narrow  roads  between  them,  could  do  no  less 
than  salute  her,  but  she  took  no  notice  of  him  farther  than 
by  continuing  her  stare.  At  last,  upon  a  second  pulling 
of  the  bell,  the  door  opened,  and  on  Mr  Vanslyperken 
saying  that  he  had  a  letter  for  such  an  address,  he  was 
admitted,  and  the  door  immediately  closed.  He  was 
ushered  into  a  room,  the  window-panes  of  which  were 
painted  green,  so  that  no  one  outside  could  look  in,  and 
found  himself  in  the  presence  of  a  tall  man,  in  a  clerical 
dress,  who  motioned  to  him  to  sit  down. 

Vanslyperken  delivered  the  letter,  and  then  took  a  seat. 


144  Snarleyyow;  or, 

The  gentleman  made  a  graceful  bow,  as  if  to  ask  per- 
mission to  break  the  seal,  and  then  opened  the  letter. 

"  Sir,  I  am  obliged  to  you  for  charging  yourself  with 
these  packets  —  infinitely  obliged  to  you.  You  are  in 
command  of  a  sloop  here,  I  believe.'* 

"  A  king's  cutter,  sir,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  with 
importance  ;  "  I  am  Lieutenant  Vanslyperken." 

"  I  thank  you,  sir.  I  will  take  down  your  name.  You 
expect,  I  presume,  to  be  rewarded  for  this  small  service," 
continued  the  gentleman,  with  a  bland  smile. 

"Why,  she  must  have  told  him,"  thought  Vanslyperken; 
who  replied  with  another  smile,  "  that  he  certainly  trusted 
that  he  should  be." 

Upon  which  reply,  the  other  went  to  an  escritoire,  and 
taking  out  a  bag,  opened  it  and  poured  out  a  mass  of  gold, 
which  made  Vanslyperken's  mouth  water,  but  why  he  did 
so  Vanslyperken  did  not  give  a  thought,  until  having 
counted  out  fifty  pieces,  the  gentleman  very  gracefully 
put  them  into  his  hand,  observing, 

**  A  lieutenant's  pay  is  not  great,  and  we  can  afford  to 
be  generous.  Will  you  oblige  me  by  calling  here  before 
you  sail  for  England,  and  I  will  beg  you  to  take  charge  of 
a  letter." 

Vanslyperken  was  all  amazement :  he  began  to  suspect 
what  was  the  fact,  but  he  had  the  gold  in  his  hand,  and 
for  the  life  of  him,  he  could  not  have  laid  it  down  again 
on  the  table.  It  was  too  great  a  sacrifice,  for  it  was  his 
idol — his  god.  He  therefore  dropped  it  into  his  pocket, 
and  promising  to  call  before  he  sailed,  bowed  and  took 
his  leave.  As  he  went  out,  there  were  the  Frau  Vander- 
sloosh  and  Babette  still  watching  him  at  the  door,  but 
Vanslyperken  was  in  a  state  of  agitation,  and  he  hurried 
off  as  fast  as  he  could.  Had  he  known  why  they  watched 
so  earnestly,  and  what  had  occurred,  his  agitation  would 
have  been  greater  still.  As  soon  as  Mr  Vanslyperken  had 
arrived  on  board,  he  hastened  down  into  his  cabin,  and 
throwing  the  money  down  on  the  table,  feasted  his  eyes  with 
it,  and  remained  for  nearly  half-an-hour  in  a  state  of  deep 


The  Dog  Fiend  145 

cogitation,  during  which  he  often  asked  himself  the 
question,  whether  he  had  not  been  a  traitor  to  the  king 
and  country  in  whose  pay  he  was  employed.  The  answer 
that  he  gave  to  himself  was  anything  but  satisfactory  :  but 
the  prospect  of  possessing  the  fair  Portsmouth  widow, 
and  the  gold  displayed  upon  the  table,  were  very  satis- 
factory, and  the  balance  was  on  the  latter  side :  so 
Vanslyperken  gradually  recovered  himself,  and  had  risen 
from  his  chair  to  collect  the  gold  and  deposit  it  in  a  place 
of  safety,  when  he  was  interrupted  by  a  tap  at  the  door. 
Hastily  sweeping  off  the  gold  pieces,  he  cried,  *^  Come 
in;"  when  who,  to  his  surprise,  should  appear,  in  excellent 
condition  and  fresh  as  a  peony,  but  the  lost  and  almost 
forgotten  Corporal  Van  Spitter,  who,  raising  his  hand  to 
his  forehead  as  usual,  reported  himself  man-of-war  fashion, 
**Vas  come  on  board.  Mynheer  Vanslyperken."  But 
as  the  corporal  did  not  tell  all  the  facts  connected  with 
his  cruise  in  the  jolly-boat  to  Mr  Vanslyperken,  for 
reasons  which  will  hereafter  appear,  we  shall  reserve 
the  narrative  of  what  really  did  take  place  for  another 
chapter. 


Chapter  XXI 

In  which  are  narrated  the  adventures  which  took  place  in  the  corporal's 
cruise  in  the  jolly-boat. 

Corporal  Van  Spitter,  so  soon  as  he  had  expended  all 
his  breath  in  shouting  for  help,  sat  down  with  such  a  flop 
of  despair  on  the  thwart  of  the  boat,  as  very  nearly  to 
swamp  it.  As  it  was,  the  water  poured  in  over  the  star- 
board-gunnel, until  the  boat  was  filled  up  to  his  ankles. 
This  alarmed  him  still  more,  and  he  remained  mute  as  a 
stockfish  for  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  during  which  he  was 
swept  away  by  the  tide  until  he  was  unable  to  discover  the 
lights  on  shore.  The  wind  freshened,  and  the  water 
became  more  rough  *,  the  night  was  dark  as  pitch,  and  the 
s  K 


146  Snarleyyow;  or, 

corporal  skimmed  along  before  the  wind  and  tide.  **  A 
tousand  tyfels !  "  at  last  muttered  the  corporal,  as  the 
searching  blast  crept  round  his  fat  sides,  and  made  him 
shiver.  Gust  succeeded  gust,  and,  at  last,  the  corporal's 
teeth  chattered  with  the  cold  :  he  raised  his  feet  out  of  the 
water  at  the  bottom  of  the  boat,  for  his  feet  were  like  ice, 
but  in  so  doing,  the  weight  of  his  body  being  above  the 
centre  of  gravity,  the  boat  careened  over,  and  with  a 
"  Mein  Gott !  "  he  hastily  replaced  them  in  the  cold  water. 
And  now  a  shower  of  rain  and  sleet  came  down  upon  the 
unprotected  body  of  the  corporal,  which  added  to  his 
misery,  to  his  fear,  and  to  his  despair. 

"Where  am  I?"  muttered  he;  "what  will  become  of 
me  ?  Ah,  mein  Gott !  twenty  tousand  tyfels — what  had  I 
to  do  in  a  boat — I,  Corporal  Van  Spitter  ?  "  and  then  he 
was  again  silent  for  nearly  half  an  hour.  The  wind 
shifted  to  the  northward,  and  the  rain  cleared  up,  but  it 
was  only  to  make  the  corporal  suffer  more,  for  the  freezing 
blast  poured  upon  his  wet  clothes,  and  he  felt  chilled  to 
the  very  centre  of  his  vitals.  His  whole  body  trembled 
convulsively,  he  was  frozen  to  the  thwart,  yet  there  was 
no  appearance  of  daylight  coming,  and  the  corporal  now 
abandoned  himself  to  utter  hopelessness  and  desperation, 
and  commenced  praying.  He  attempted  the  Lord's  Prayer 
in  Dutch,  but  could  get  no  further  than  "  art  in  heaven," 
for  the  rest,  from  disuse,  had  quite  escaped  the  corporal's 
memory.  He  tried  to  recollect  something  else,  but  was 
equally  unsuccessful ;  at  last,  he  made  up  a  sad  mixture 
of  swearing  and  praying. 

"Mein  Gott — a  hundred  tousand  tyfels — gut  Gott — 
twenty  hundred  tousand  tyfels  !  Ah,  Gott  of  mercy — 
million  of  tyfels !  holy  Gott  Jesus !  twenty  millions 
of  tyfels — Gott  for  dam,  I  die  of  cold  !  "  Such  were  the 
ejaculations  of  the  corporal,  allowing  about  ten  minutes  to 
intervene  between  each,  during  which  the  wind  blew  more 
freshly,  the  waves  rose,  and  the  boat  was  whirled  away. 

But  the  corporal's  miseries  were  to  be  prolonged  j  the 
flood-time  of  water  was  now  spent,  and  the  ebb  commenced 


The  Dog  Fiend  147 

flowing  against  the  wind  and  sea.  This  created  what  is 
called  boiling  water,  that  is,  a  contest  between  the  wind 
forcing  the  waves  one  way,  and  the  tide  checking  them 
the  other,  which  makes  the  waves  to  lose  their  run,  and 
they  rise,  and  dance,  and  bubble  into  points.  The  conse- 
quence was,  that  the  boat,  as  she  was  borne  down  by  the  tide 
against  them,  shipped  a  sea  every  moment,  which  the  wind 
threw  against  the  carcass  of  the  corporal,  who  was  now 
quite  exhausted  with  more  than  four  hours'  exposure  to  a 
wintry  night,  the  temperature  being  nearly  down  to  zero. 
All  the  corporal's  stoicism  was  gone;  he  talked  wildly, 
crouched  and  gibbered  in  his  fear,  when  he  was  suddenly 
roused  by  a  heavy  shock.  He  raised  his  head,  which  had 
sunk  upon  his  chest,  and  beheld  something  close  to  him, 
and  to  the  gunnel  of  the  boat.  It  was  a  thin,  tall  figure, 
holding  out  his  two  arms  at  right  angles,  and  apparently 
stooping  over  him.  It  was  just  in  the  position  that  Small- 
bones  lay  on  the  forecastle  of  the  cutter  on  that  day 
morning,  when  he  was  about  to  keel-haul  him,  and  the 
corporal,  in  his  state  of  mental  and  bodily  depression,  was 
certain  that  it  was  the  ghost  of  the  poor  lad  whom  he  had 
so  often  tortured.  Terror  raised  his  hair  erect — his  mouth 
was  wide  open — he  could  not  speak — he  tried  to  analyse 
it,  but  a  wave  dashed  in  his  face — his  eyes  and  mouth 
were  filled  with  salt  water,  and  the  corporal  threw  himself 
down  on  the  thwarts  of  the  boat,  quite  regardless  whether 
it  went  to  the  bottom  or  not  •,  there  he  lay,  half  groaning, 
half  praying,  with  his  hands  to  his  eyes,  and  his  huge 
nether  proportion  raised  in  the  air,  every  limb  trembling 
with  blended  cold  and  fright.  One  hour  more,  and  there 
would  have  been  nothing  but  corporal  parts  of  Corporal 
Spitter. 

The  reason  why  the  last  movement  of  the  corporal  did 
not  swamp  the  boat,  was  simply  that  it  was  aground  on 
one  of  the  flats ;  and  the  figure  which  had  alarmed  the 
conscience-stricken  corporal,  was  nothing  more  than  the 
outside  beacon  of  a  weir  for  catching  fish,  being  a  thin 
post  with  a  cross  bar  to  it,  certainly  not  unlike  Smallbones 


148  Snarleyyow;  or, 

in  figure,  supposing  him  to  have  put  his  arms  in  that 
position. 

For  upwards  of  an  hour  did  the  corporal  lie  reversed, 
when  the  day  dawned,  and  the  boat  had  been  left  high  and 
dry  upon  the  flat.  The  fishermen  came  down  to  examine 
their  weir,  and  see  what  was  their  success,  when  they  dis- 
covered the  boat  with  its  contents.  At  first  they  could 
not  imagine  what  it  was,  for  they  could  perceive  nothing 
but  the  capacious  round  of  the  corporal,  which  rose  up  in 
the  air,  but,  by  degrees,  they  made  out  that  there  was  a 
head  and  feet  attached  to  it,  and  they  contrived,  with  the 
united  efforts  of  four  men,  to  raise  him  up,  and  discovered 
that  life  was  not  yet  extinct.  They  poured  a  little 
schnappes  into  his  mouth,  and  he  recovered  so  far  as  to 
open  his  eyes,  and  they  having  brought  down  with  them 
two  little  carts  drawn  by  dogs,  they  put  the  corporal  into 
one,  covered  him  up,  and  yoking  all  the  dogs  to  the  one 
cart,  for  the  usual  train  could  not  move  so  heavy  a  weight, 
two  of  them  escorted  him  up  to  their  huts,  while  the 
others  threw  the  fish  caught  into  the  cart  which  remained, 
and  took  possession  of  the  boat.  The  fishermen's  wives, 
perceiving  the  cart  so  heavily  laden,  imagined,  as  it  ap- 
proached the  huts,  that  there  had  been  unusual  success, 
and  were  not  a  little  disappointed  when  they  found  that 
instead  of  several  bushels  of  fine  fish,  they  had  only 
caught  a  corporal  of  marines  ;  but  they  were  kind-hearted, 
for  they  had  known  misery,  and  Van  Spitter  was  put  into 
a  bed,  and  covered  up  with  all  the  blankets  they  could 
collect,  and  very  soon  was  able  to  drink  some  warm  soup 
offered  to  him.  It  was  not,  however,  till  long  past  noon, 
that  the  corporal  was  able  to  narrate  what  had  taken  place. 

**  Will  your  lieutenant  pay  us  for  saving  you  and  bring- 
ing him  his  boat  ? "  demanded  the  men. 

Now,  it  must  be  observed,  that  a  great  revolution  had 
taken  place  in  the  corporal's  feelings  since  the  horror  and 
sufferings  of  the  night.  He  felt  hatred  towards  Vansly- 
perken,  and  good-will  towards  those  whom  he  had  treated 
unkindly.     The  supernatural  appearance  of  Smallbones,  in 


The  Dog  Fiend  149 

which  he  still  believed,  and  which  appeared  to  him  as  a 
warning — what  he  had  suffered  from  cold  and  exhaustion, 
which  by  him  was  considered  as  a  punishment  for  his 
treatment  of  the  poor  lad  but  the  morning  before,  had 
changed  the  heart  of  Corporal  Van  Spitter,  so  he  replied 
in  Dutch, 

"  He  will  give  you  nothing,  good  people,  not  even  a 
glass  of  schnappes,  I  tell  you  candidly — so  keep  the  boat 
if  you  wish — I  will  not  say  a  word  about  it,  except  that  it 
is  lost.  He  is  not  likely  to  see  it  again.  Besides,  you  can 
alter  it,  and  paint  it." 

This  very  generous  present  of  his  Majesty's  property  by 
the  corporal,  was  very  agreeable  to  the  fishermen,  as  it 
amply  repaid  them  for  all  their  trouble.  The  corporal 
put  on  his  clothes,  and  ate  a  hearty  meal,  was  freely 
supplied  with  spirits,  and  went  to  bed  quite  recovered. 
The  next  morning,  the  fishermen  took  him  down  to 
Amsterdam  in  their  own  boat,  when  Van  Spitter  dis- 
covered that  the  Tungfrau  had  sailed ;  this  was  very 
puzzling,  and  Corporal  Van  Spitter  did  not  know  what 
to  do.  After  some  cogitation,  it  occurred  to  him  that,  for 
Vanslyperken's  sake,  he  might  be  well  received  at  the 
Lust  Haus  by  widow  Vandersloosh,  little  imagining  how 
much  at  a  discount  was  his  lieutenant  in  that  quarter. 

To  the  Frau  Vandersloosh  accordingly  he  repaired,  and 
the  first  person  he  met  was  Babette,  who  finding  that  the 
corporal  was  a  Dutchman,  and  belonging  to  the  Tungfrau, 
and  who  presumed  that  he  had  always  felt  the  same  ill-will 
towards  Vanslyperken  and  Snarleyyow,  as  did  the  rest  of 
the  ship's  company,  immediately  entered  into  a  narrative  of 
the  conduct  of  Snarleyyow  on  the  preceding  night,  the 
anger  of  her  mistress,  and  every  other  circumstance  with 
which  the  reader  is  already  acquainted.  Corporal  Van 
Spitter  thus  fortunately  found  out  how  matters  stood 
previous  to  his  introduction  to  the  widow.  He  expatiated 
upon  his  sufferings,  upon  the  indifference  of  his  lieutenant 
in  sailing  as  to  what  had  become  of  him,  and  fully  per- 
suaded Babette  not  only  that  he  was  inimical,  which  now 


1.50  Snarleyyow;  or, 

certainly  he  was,  but  that  he  always  had  been  so,  to  Mr 
Vanslyperken.  Babette,  who  was  always  ready  to  retail 
news,  went  up  to  the  widow,  and  amused  her,  as  she 
dressed  her,  with  the  corporal's  adventures,  and  the  widow 
felt  an  interest  in,  before  she  had  seen.  Corporal  Van 
Spitter,  from  the  account  of  his  **  moving  accidents  by 
flood  and  field." 

But  if  prepossessed  in  his  favour  before  she  saw  him, 
what  did  she  feel  when  she  first  beheld  the  substantial 
proportions  of  Corporal  Van  Spitter  !  There  she  beheld 
the  beau  ideal  of  her  imagination — the  very  object  of  her 
widow's  dreams — the  antipodes  of  Vanslyperken,  and  as 
superior  as  "  Hyperion  to  a  Satyr."  He  had  all  the  personal 
advantages,  with  none  of  the  defects  of  her  late  husband ; 
he  was  quite  as  fleshy,  but  had  at  least  six  inches  more  in 
height,  and,  in  the  eyes  of  the  widow,  the  Corporal  Van 
Spitter  was  the  finest  man  she  ever  had  beheld,  and  she 
mentally  exclaimed,  "There  is  the  man  for  my  money;" 
and,  at  the  same  time,  resolved  that  she  would  win  him. 
Alas  '  how  short-sighted  are  mortals  ;  little  did  the  corporal 
imagine  that  the  most  untoward  event  in  his  life  would  be 
the  cause  of  his  being  possessed  of  ease  and  competence. 
The  widow  received  him  most  graciously,  spoke  in  no 
measured  terms  against  Vanslyperken,  at  which  the  corporal 
raised  his  huge  shoulders,  as  much  as  to  say,  "  He  is  even 
worse  than  you  think  him,"  was  very  violent  against 
Snarleyyow,  whom  the  corporal,  aware  that  it  was  no 
mutiny,  made  no  ceremony  in  "  damning  in  heaps,"  as  the 
saying  is. 

The  widow  begged  that  he  would  feel  no  uneasiness,  as 
he  should  remain  with  her  till  the  cutter  returned ;  and  an 
hour  after  the  first  introduction,  Corporal  Van  Spitter  had 
breakfasted  with,  and  was  actually  sitting,  by  her  request, 
on  the  little  fubsy  sofa,  in  the  very  place  of  Vanslyperken, 
with  Frau  Vandersloosh  by  his  side. 

We  must  pass  over  the  few  days  during  which  the 
cutter  was  away.  Widows  have  not  that  maiden  modesty 
to  thwart  their  wishes,  which  so  often  prevents  a  true  love 


The  Dog  Fiend  151 

tale  from  being  told.  And  all  that  the  widow  could  not 
tell,  Babette,  duly  instructed,  told  for  her,  and  it  was 
understood,  before  the  cutter's  arrival,  that  Corporal  Van 
Spitter  was  the  accepted  lover  of  the  Frau  Vandersloosh. 
But  still  it  was  necessary  that  there  should  be  secrecy,  not 
only  on  account  of  the  corporal's  being  under  the  command 
of  the  lieutenant,  who,  of  course,  would  not  allow  himself 
to  be  crossed  in  his  love  without  resenting  it,  but  also, 
because  it  was  not  advisable  that  the  crew  of  the  Tung  frau 
should  not  be  permitted  to  spend  their  money  at  the  Lust 
Haus.  It  was  therefore  agreed  that  the  lieutenant  should 
be  blinded,  as  to  the  real  nature  of  the  intimacy,  and  that 
nothing  should  take  place  until  the  cutter  was  paid  off,  and 
Corporal  Van  Spitter  should  be  a  gentleman  at  large. 

Independent  of  the  wisdom  of  the  above  proceedings, 
there  was  a  secret  pleasure  to  all  parties  in  deceiving 
the  deceiver  Vanslyperken.  But  something  else  occurred 
which  we  must  now  refer  to.  The  corporal's  residence 
at  the  widow's  house  had  not  been  unobserved  by  the 
Jesuit,  who  was  the  French  agent  in  the  house  opposite, 
and  it  appeared  to  him,  after  the  inquiries  he  had  made, 
that  Corporal  Van  Spitter  might  be  made  serviceable.  He 
had  been  sent  for  and  sounded,  and  it  was  canvassed  with 
the  widow  whether  he  should  accept  the  offers  or  not, 
and  finally  it  was  agreed  that  he  should,  as  there  would 
be  little  or  no  risk.  Now,  it  so  happened,  that  the 
corporal  had  gone  over  to  the  Jesuit's  house  to  agree  to 
the  proposals,  and  was  actually  in  the  house  conversing 
with  him,  when  Vanslyperken  arrived  and  knocked  at 
the  door.  The  corporal  ascertaining  who  it  was  by  a 
small  clear  spot  left  in  the  painted  window  for  scrutiny, 
begged  that  he  might  be  concealed,  and  was  immediately 
shown  into  the  next  room  by  a  door,  which  was  hid 
behind  a  screen.  The  Jesuit  did  not  exactly  shut  the 
door,  as  he  supposed  he  did,  and  the  corporal,  who 
wondered  what  could  have  brought  Vanslyperken  there, 
kept  it  ajar  during  the  whole  of  the  interview  and  the 
counting  out  of  the  money.     Vanslyperken  left,  and  as 


152  Snarleyyow;  or, 

he  shut  the  other  door  the  corporal  did  the  same  with 
the  one  he  held  ajar,  and  took  a  seat  at  the  other  end 
of  the  room,  that  the  Jesuit  might  not  suspect  his  having 
overheard  all  that  had  passed. 

Now  the  Jesuit  had  made  up  his  mind  that  it  was 
better  to  treat  with  the  principal  than  with  a  second, 
and  therefore  did  not  further  require  the  services  of 
Corporal  Van  Spitter.  He  told  him'1:hat  the  lieutenant 
having  received  private  information  that  one  of  the  people 
of  the  cutter  had  been  seen  at  his  house,  and  knowing 
that  he  was  the  French  agent,  had  come  to  inform  him 
that  if  he  attempted  to  employ  any  of  his  men  in  carrying 
letters,  that  he  would  inform  against  him  to  the  authorities. 
That  he  was  very  sorry,  but  that  after  such  a  notice  he 
was  afraid  that  the  arrangements  could  not  proceed.  The 
corporal  appeared  to  be  satisfied,  and  took  his  final  leave. 
No  wonder,  therefore,  that  the  widow  and  Babette  were 
on  the  watch,  when  they  saw  Vanslyperken  enter  the 
house,  at  the  very  time  the  corporal  was  there  also. 

The  corporal  went  over  to  the  widow's,  and  narrated 
ail  that  he  had  heard  and  seen. 

"  "Why,  the  traitor  !  "  exclaimed  the  widow. 

"  Yes,  mein  Gott !  "  repeated  the  corporal. 

"  The  villain  to  sell  his  country  for  gold." 

**  Yes,  mein  Gott !  "  repeated  the  corporal. 

"  Fifty  guineas,  did  you  say.  Mynheer  Van  Spitter  ?" 

"  Yes,  mein  Gott !  "  repeated  the  corporal. 

**  Oh,  the  wretch! — well,"  continued  the  widow,  "at 
all  events  he  is  in  your  power." 

"  Yes,  mein  Gott !  " 

"  You  can  hang  him  any  day  in  the  week." 

"  Yes,  mein  Gott !  " 

"  Ho,  ho  !  Mr  Vanslyperken : — well,  well,  Mr  Vansly- 
perken, we  will  see,"  continued  the  widow,  indignant  at 
the  lieutenant  receiving  so  large  a  sum,  which  would 
otherwise  have  been,  in  all  probability,  made  over  to 
Corporal  Van  Spitter,  with  whom  she  now  felt  that  their 
interests  were  in  common. 


The  Dog  Fiend  153 

"  Tousand  tyfels  !  "  roared  the  corporal,  dashing  his 
foot  upon  one  of  the  flaps  of  the  little  table  before  them 
with  so  much  force,  that  it  was  broken  short  off  and 
fell  down  on  the  floor. 

"Hundred  tousand  tyfels!"  continued  the  corporal, 
when  he  witnessed  the  effects  of  his  violence. 

Although  the  widow  lamented  her  table,  she  forgave 
the  corporal  with  a  smile ;  she  liked  such  proofs  of 
strength  in  her  intended,  and  she,  moreover,  knew  that 
the  accident  was  occasioned  by  indignation  at  Vansly- 
perken. 

"  Yes,  yes,  Mr  Vanslyperken,  you'll  pay  me  for  that," 
exclaimed  she ;  "I  prophesy  that  before  long  you  and 
your  nasty  cur  will  both  swing  together." 

The  corporal  now  walked  across  the  little  parlour  and 
back  again,  then  turned  to  the  widow  Vandersloosh,  and 
with  a  most  expressive  look  slowly  muttered, 

"  Yes,  mein  Gott !  " 

After  which  he  sat  down  again  by  the  side  of  the 
widow,  and  they  had  a  short  consultation ;  before  it 
was  over,  Corporal  Van  Spitter  declared  himself  the 
deadly  enemy  of  Lieutenant  Vanslyperken ;  swore  that 
he  would  be  his  ruin,  and  ratified  the  oath  upon  the 
widow's  lips.  Alas !  what  changes  there  are  in  this 
world  ! 

After  which  solemn  compact  the  corporal  rose,  took 
his  leave,  went  on  board,  and  reported  himself,  as  we 
have  stated  in  the  preceding  chapter. 


Chapter  XXII 

In  which  Snarleyyow  proves  to  be  the  devil,  and  no  mistake. 

That  the  corporal  mystified  his  lieutenant,  may  easily  be 
supposed ;  but  the  corporal  had  other  work  to  do,  and  he 
did  it  immediately.     He  went  up  to  Jemmy  Ducks,  who 


154  Snarleyyow;  or, 

looked  daggers  at  him,  and  said  to  him  quietly,  **  That  he 
had  something  to  say  to  him  as  soon  as  it  was  dusk,  and 
they  would  not  be  seen  together."  Vanslyperken  ordered 
the  corporal  to  resume  his  office,  and  serve  out  the  pro- 
visions that  afternoon  :  and  to  the  astonishment  of  the  men, 
he  gave  them  not  only  full,  but  overweight ;  and  instead 
of  abusing  them,  and  being  cross,  he  was  good-humoured, 
and  joked  with  them ;  and  all  the  crew  stared  at  each 
other,  and  wondered  what  could  be  the  matter  with 
Corporal  Van  Spitter.  But  what  was  their  amazement, 
upon  Snarleyyow's  coming  up  to  him  as  he  was  serving 
out  provisions,  instead  of  receiving  something  from  the 
hand  of  the  corporal  as  usual,  he,  on  the  contrary,  received 
a  sound  kick  on  the  ribs  from  his  foot  which  sent  him 
yelping  back  into  the  cabin.  Their  astonishment  could 
only  be  equalled  by  that  of  Snarleyyow  himself.  But  that 
was  not  all ;  it  appeared  as  if  wonders  would  never  cease, 
for  when  Smallbones  came  up  to  receive  his  master's  pro- 
visions, after  the  others  had  been  served  and  gone  away, 
the  corporal  not  only  kindly  received  him,  but  actually 
presented  him  with  a  stiff  glass  of  grog  mixed  with  the 
corporal's  own  hand.  When  he  offered  it,  the  lad  could 
not  believe  his  eyes,  and  even  when  he  had  poured  it 
down  his  throat,  he  would  not  believe  his  own  mouth ; 
and  he  ran  away,  leaving  his  provisions,  chuckling  along 
the  lower  deck  till  he  could  gain  the  forecastle,  and  add 
this  astonishing  piece  of  intelligence  to  the  other  facts, 
which  were  already  the  theme  of  admiration. 

"  There  be  odd  chops  and  changes  in  this  here  world, 
for  sartin,"  observed  Coble.  (Exactly  the  same  remark  as 
we  made  at  the  end  of  the  previous  chapter.) 

**  Mayn't  it  all  be  gammon  ? "  said  Bill  Spurey. 

"  Gammon,  for  why  ? "  replied  Jemmy  Ducks. 

**  That's  the  question,"  rejoined  Spurey. 

"It  appears  to  me  that  he  must  have  had  a  touch  of 
conscience,"  said  Coble. 

**  Or  else  he  must  have  seen  a  ghost,"  replied  Small- 
bones. 


The  Dog  Fiend  155 

"  I've  heard  of  ghosts  ashore,  and  sometimes  on  board 
of  a  ship,  but  I  never  heard  of  a  ghost  in  a  jolly-boat," 
said  Coble,  spitting  under  the  gun. 

"'Specially  when  there  were  hardly  room  for  the 
corporal,"  added  Spurey. 

**  Yes,"  observed  Short. 

**  Well,  we  shall  know  something  about  it  to-night,  for 
the  corporal  and  I  am  to  have  a  palaver." 

"Mind  he  don't  circumwent  you,  Jimmy,"  said  Spurey. 

"It's  my  opinion,"  said  Smallbones,  "that  he  must  be 
in  real  arnest,  otherwise  he  would  not  ha'  come  for  to  go 
for  to  give  me  a  glass  of  grog — there's  no  gammon  in 
that; — and  such  a  real  stiff 'un  too,"  continued  Smallbones, 
who  licked  his  lips  at  the  bare  remembrance  of  the  unusual 
luxury. 

"  True,"  said  Short. 

"  It  beats  my  comprehension  altogether  out  of  nothing," 
observed  Spurey.  "  There's  something  very  queer  in  the 
wind.  I  wonder  where  the  corporal  has  been  all  this 
while." 

"Wait  till  this  evening,"  observed  Jemmy  Ducks  ;  and, 
as  this  was  very  excellent  advice,  it  was  taken,  and  the 
parties  separated. 

In  the  despatches  it  had  been  requested,  as  important 
negotiations  were  going  on,  that  the  cutter  might  return 
immediately,  as  there  were  other  communications  to  make 
to  the  States  General  on  the  part  of  the  King  of  England  ; 
and  a  messenger  now  informed  Vanslyperken  that  he 
might  sail  as  soon  as  he  pleased,  as  there  was  no  reply  to 
the  despatches  he  had  conveyed.  This  was  very  agreeable 
to  Vanslyperken,  who  was  anxious  to  return  to  the  fair 
widow  at  Portsmouth,  and  also  to  avoid  the  Frau  Vander- 
sioosh.  At  dusk,  he  manned  his  boat  and  went  on  shore 
to  the  French  agent,  who  had  also  found  out  that  the 
cutter  was  ordered  to  return,  and  had  his  despatches  nearly 
ready.  Vanslyperken  waited  about  an  hour;  when  all 
was  complete  he  received  them,  and  then  returned  on 
board. 


156  Snarleyyow;  or, 

As  soon  as  he  had  quitted  the  vessel,  Corporal  Van 
Spitter  went  to  Jemmy  Ducks,  and  without  letting  him 
know  how  matters  stood  on  shore,  told  him  that  he  was 
convinced  that  Vanslyperken  had  sent  him  into  the  boat  on 
purpose  to  lose  him,  and  that  the  reason  was,  that  he,  Van 
Spitter,  knew  secrets  which  would  at  any  time  hang  the 
lieutenant.  That  in  consequence  he  had  determined  upon 
revenge,  and  in  future  would  be  heart  and  hand  with  the 
ship's  company,  but  that  to  secure  their  mutual  object, 
it  would  be  better  that  he  should  appear  devoted  to 
Vanslyperken  as  before,  and  at  variance  with  the  ship's 
company. 

Now  Jemmy,  who  was  with  all  his  wits  at  work,  knew 
that  it  was  Smallbones  who  cut  the  corporal  adrift  -,  but 
that  did  not  alter  the  case,  as  the  corporal  did  not  know  it. 
It  was  therefore  advisable  to  leave  him  in  that  error.  But 
he  required  proofs  of  the  corporal's  sincerity,  and  he  told 
him  so. 

"  Mein  Gott !  what  proof  will  you  have  ?  De  proof  of 
de  pudding  is  in  de  eating." 

"  Well,  then,"  replied  Jemmy,  "  will  you  shy  the  dog 
overboard  ?  " 

"  Te  tog  ? — in  one  minute — and  de  master  after  him." 

Whereupon  Corporal  Van  Spitter  went  down  into  the 
cabin,  which  Vanslyperken,  trusting  to  his  surveillance, 
had  left  unlocked,  and  seizing  the  cur  by  the  neck,  carried 
him  on  deck,  and  hurled  him  several  yards  over  the  cutter's 
quarter. 

"  Mein  Gott !  but  dat  is  well  done,"  observed  Jansen. 

"  And  he'll  not  come  back  wid  de  tide.  I  know  de 
tide,  Mein  Gott ! "  observed  the  corporal,  panting  with 
the  exertion. 

But  here  the  corporal  was  mistaken.  Snarleyyow  did 
not  make  for  the  vessel,  but  for  the  shore,  and  they 
could  not  in  the  dark  ascertain  what  became  of  him, 
neither  was  the  tide  strong,  for  the  flood  was  nearly 
over;  the  consequence  was,  that  the  dog  gained  the 
shore,   and  landed   at    the   same   stairs  where   the    boats 


The  Dog  Fiend  157 

land.  The  men  were  not  in  the  boat,  but  waiting  at 
a  beer-shop  a  little  above,  which  Vanslyperken  must  pass 
when  he  came  down  again.  Recognising  the  boat,  the 
cur  leapt  into  it,  and  after  a  good  shaking  under  the 
thwarts,  crept  forward  to  where  the  men  had  thrown 
their  pea-jackets  under  the  bow-sheets,  curled  himself 
up,  and  went  to  sleep. 

Shortly  afterwards  the  lieutenant  came  down  with  the 
men,  and  rowed  on  board  ;  but  the  dog,  which,  exhausted 
with  his  exertion,  was  very  comfortable  where  he  was, 
did  not  come  out,  but  remained  in  his  snug  berth. 

The  lieutenant  and  men  left  the  boat  when  they  arrived 
on  board,  without  discovering  that  the  dog  was  a  passenger. 
About  ten  minutes  after  the  lieutenant  had  come  on  board, 
Snarleyyow  jumped  on  deck,  but,  as  all  the  men  were 
forward  in  close  consultation,  and  in  anticipation  of  Mr 
Vanslyperken's  discovery  of  his  loss,  the  dog  gained  the 
cabin,  unperceived  not  only  by  the  ship's  company,  but 
by  Vanslyperken,  who  was  busy  locking  up  the  letters 
entrusted  to  him  by  the  French  agent.  Snarleyyow  took 
his  station  under  the  table,  and  lay  down  to  finish  his  nap, 
where  we  must  leave  him  for  the  present  in  a  sound  sleep, 
and  his  snoring  very  soon  reminded  Vanslyperken  of  what 
he  had,  for  a  short  time  unheeded,  that  his  favourite  was 
present. 

"  Well,  it's  very  odd,"  observed  Spurey,  "  that  he  has 
been  on  board  nearly  half-an-hour,  and  not  discovered 
that  his  dog  is  absent  without  leave." 

"  Yes,"  said  Short. 

"  I  know  for  why,  mein  Gott !  "  exclaimed  the  corporal, 
who  shook  his  head  very  knowingly. 

**  The  corporal  knows  why,"  observed  Jemmy  Ducks. 

"Then  why  don't  he  say  why  ?"  retorted  Bill  Spurey, 
who  was  still  a  little  suspicious  of  the  corporal's  fidelity. 

**  Because  Mynheer  Vanslyperken  count  his  money — 
de  guineas,"  replied  the  corporal,  writhing  at  the  idea  of 
what  he  had  lost  by  his  superior's  interference. 

*'Ho,  ho!  his  money;  well,  that's  a  good  reason,  for 


158  Snarleyyow;  or, 


he  would  skin  a  flint  if  he  could,"  observed  Coble ;  "  but 
that  can't  last  for  ever." 

"  That  depends  how  often  he  may  count  it  over," 
observed  Jemmy  Ducks — **  but  there's  his  bell ; "  and 
soon  after  Corporal  Van  Spitter's  name  was  passed  along 
the  decks,  to  summon  him  into  the  presence  of  his  com- 
manding officer. 

"Now  for  a  breeze,"  said  Coble,  hitching  up  his 
trousers. 

"  Yes,"  replied  Short. 

"  For  a  regular  shindy^''  observed  Spurey. 

"  Hell  to  pay  and  no  pitch  hot,"  added  Jemmy,  laughing  •, 
and  they  all  remained  in  anxious  expectation  of  the  corporal's 
return. 

Corporal  Van  Spitter  had  entered  the  cabin  with  the 
air  of  the  profoundest  devotion  and  respect — had  raised 
his  hand  up  as  usual,  but  before  the  hand  had  arrived  to 
its  destination,  he  beheld  Vanslyperken  seated  on  the 
locker,  patting  the  head  of  Snarleyyow,  as  if  nothing  had 
happened.  At  this  unexpected  resuscitation,  the  corporal 
uttered  a  tremendous  **  Mein  Gott ! "  and  burst  like  a 
mad  bull  out  of  the  cabin,  sweeping  down  all  who 
obstructed  his  passage  on  the  lower  deck,  till  he  arrived 
to  the  fore-ladder,  which  he  climbed  up  with  tottering 
knees,  and  then  sank  down  on  the  forecastle  at  the  feet 
of  Jemmy  Ducks. 

"  Mein  Gott,  mein  Gott,  mein  Gott !  "  exclaimed  the 
corporal,  putting  his  hands  to  his  eyes  as  if  to  shut  out 
the  horrid  vision. 

"  What  the  devil  is  the  matter  ?  "  exclaimed  Coble. 

"  Ah  !  mein  Gott,  mein  Gott !  " 

As  it  was  evident  that  something  uncommon  had 
happened,  they  all  now  crowded  round  the  corporal, 
who,  by  degrees,  recovered  himself. 

"  What  is  it,  corporal  ?  "  inquired  Jemmy  Ducks. 

Before  the  corporal  could  reply,  Smallbones,  who  had 
been  summoned  to  the  cabin  on  account  of  the  corporal's 
unaccountable  exit,  sprang  up  the  ladder  with  one  bound. 


The  Dog  Fiend  159 

his  hair  flying  in  every  direction,  his  eyes  gogghng,  and 
his  mouth  wide  open:  lifting  his  hands  over  his  head, 
and  pausing  as  if  for  breath,  the  lad  exclaimed  with  a 
solemn  sepulchral  voice,  "By  all  the  devils  in  hell  he's 
come  again  !  " 

"  Who  ?  "  exclaimed  several  voices  at  once. 

**  Snarleyyow,"  replied  Smallbones,  mournfully. 

"  Yes — mein  Gott !  "  exclaimed  Corporal  Van  Spitter, 
attempting  to  rise  on  his  legs. 

**  Whew !  "  whistled  Jemmy  Ducks — but  nobody  else 
uttered  a  sound;  they  all  looked  at  one  another,  some 
with  compressed  lips,  others  with  mouths  open.  At  last 
one  shook  his  head — then  another.  The  corporal  rose 
on  his  feet  and  shook  himself  like  an  elephant. 

"Dat  tog  is  de  tyfel's  imp,  and  dat's  de  end  on  it," 
said  he,  with  alarm  still  painted  on  his  countenance. 

"  And  is  he  really  on  board  again  ?  "  inquired  Coble, 
doubtingly. 

"  As  sartin  as  I  stands  on  this  here  forecastle — a-kissing 
and  slobbering  the  lieutenant  for  all  the  world  like  a 
Christian,"  replied  Smallbones,  despondingly. 

"  Then  he  flare  fire  on  me  wid  his  one  eye,"  said  the 
corporal. 

"  Warn*t  even  wet,"  continued  Smallbones. 

Here  there  was  another  summons  for  Corporal  Van 
Spitter. 

**  Mein  Gott,  I  will  not  go,"  exclaimed  the  corporal. 

"  Yes,  yes,  go,  corporal,"  replied  Smallbones  ;  "  it's  the 
best  way  to  face  the  devil." 

"  Damn  the  devil ! — and  that's  not  swearing,"  exclaimed 
Short — such  a  long  sentence  out  of  his  mouth  was  added 
to  the  marvels  of  the  night — some  even  shrugged  up  their 
shoulders  at  that,  as  if  it  also  were  supernatural. 

"  I  always  say  so,"  said  Jansen,  "  I  always  say  so — no 
tog,  no  tog,  after  all." 

"  No,  no,"  replied  Coble,  shaking  his  head. 

Corporal  Van  Spitter  was  again  summoned,  but  the 
corporal  was  restive  as  a  rhinoceros. 


i6o  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"  Corporal,"  said  Smallbones,  who,  since  the  glass  of 
grog,  was  his  sincere  ally,  and  had  quite  forgotten  and 
forgiven  his  treatment,  "go  down  and  see  if  you  can't 
worm  the  truth  out  of  him." 

"  Ay,  do,  do  ! "  exclaimed  the  rest. 

"Smallbones — Smallbones — wanted  aft,"  was  the  next 
summons. 

"  And  here  I  go,"  exclaimed  Smallbones.  "  I  defy  the 
devil  and  all  his  works — as  we  said  on  Sunday  at  the 
workhouse." 

"That  lad's  a  prime  bit  of  stuff,"  observed  Spurey,  "I 
will  say  that." 

"  Yes,"  replied  Short. 

In  a  few  seconds  Smallbones  came  hastily  up  the 
ladder. 

"  Corporal,  you  must  go  to  the  cabin  directly.  He  is 
in  a  devil  of  a  rage — asked  me  why  you  wouldn't  come — 
told  him  that  you  had  seen  something  dreadful — didn't 
know  what.  Tell  him  you  saw  the  devil  at  his  elbow — 
see  if  it  frightens  him." 

"  Yes,  do,"  exclaimed  the  others. 

Corporal  Van  Spitter  made  up  his  mind  ;  he  pulled  down 
the  skirts  of  his  jacket,  descended  the  ladder,  and  walked 
aft  into  the  cabin.  At  the  sight  of  Snarleyyow  the 
corporal  turned  pale — at  the  sight  of  the  corporal,  Mr 
Vanslyperken  turned  red. 

"  What's  the  meaning  of  all  this  ?  "  exclaimed  Vansly- 
perken, in  a  rage.  "What  is  all  this  about,  corporal? 
Explain  your  conduct,  sir.  What  made  you  rush  out  of 
the  cabin  in  that  strange  manner  ? " 

"  Mein  Gott,  Mynheer  Vanslyperken,  I  came  for  orders  ; 
but  I  no  come  keep  company  wid  de  tyfel." 

"  With  the  devil ! — what  do  you  mean  .? "  exclaimed 
Vanslyperken,  alarmed.  The  corporal,  perceiving  that  the 
lieutenant  was  frightened,  then  entered  into  a  detail,  that 
when  he  had  entered  the  cabin  he  had  seen  the  devil  sitting 
behind  Mr  Vanslyperken,  looking  over  his  shoulder,  and 
grinning  with  his   great  eyes,  while  he  patted  him  over 


The  Dog  Fiend  i6i 

the  back  with  his  left  hand  and  fondled  the  dog  with  his 
right. 

This  invention  of  the  corporal's,  whom  Mr  Vanslyperken 
considered  as  a  stanch  friend  and  incapable  of  treachery, 
had  a  great  effect  upon  Mr  Vanslyperken.  It  immediately 
rushed  into  his  mind  that  he  had  attempted  murder  but  a 
few  days  before,  ^d  that,  that  very  day  he  had  been  a 
traitor  to  his  country — quite  sufficient  for  the  devil  to  claim 
him  as  his  own. 

"  Corporal  Van  Spitter,"  exclaimed  Vanslyperken  with 
a  look  of  horror,  "  are  you  really  in  earnest,  or  are  you 
not  in  your  senses — you  really  saw  him  ? " 

"  As  true  as  I  stand  here,"  replied  the  corporal,  who 
perceived  his  advantage. 

**  Then  the  Lord  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner  !  "  exclaimed 
Vanslyperken,  falling  on  his  knees,  at  the  moment  forget- 
ting the  presence  of  the  corporal,  and  then  recollecting 
himself,  he  jumped  up — "  It  is  false,  Corporal  Van  Spitter; 
false  as  you  are  yourself — confess,"  continued  the  lieu- 
tenant, seizing  the  corporal  by  the  collar,  "  confess,  that 
it  is  all  a  lie." 

"  A  lie,"  exclaimed  the  corporal,  who  now  lost  his 
courage,  "  a  lie,  Mynheer  Vanslyperken  !  If  it  was  not 
the  tyfel  himself  it  was  one  of  his  imps,  I  take  my  Bible 
oath." 

**  One  of  his  imps,"  exclaimed  Vanslyperken;  *'it's  a 
lie — an  infamous  lie .  confess,"  continued  he,  shaking  the 
corporal  by  the  collar — "  confess  the  truth." 

At  this  moment  Snarleyyow  considered  that  he  had  a 
right  to  be  a  party  in  the  fray,  so  he  bounded  forward  at 
the  corporal,  who,  terrified  at  the  supernatural  beast,  broke 
from  Vanslyperken's  grasp,  and  rushed  out  of  the  cabin, 
followed,  however,  the  whole  length  of  the  lower  deck  by 
the  dog,  who  snapped  and  bayed  at  him  till  he  had  gained 
the  fore  ladder. 

Once  more  did  the  corporal  make  his  appearance  on  the 
forecastle,  frightened  and  out  of  breath. 

"  Mein  Gott  !  de  man  is  mad,"  exclaimed  he,  **  and  de 
s  L 


1 62  Snarleyyow;  or, 

tog  is  de  tyfel  himself."  The  corporal  then  narrated  in 
broken  English  what  had  passed.  For  some  time  there 
was  a  confused  whispering  among  the  men;  they  con- 
sidered the  dog's  reappearance  on  this  occasion  even  more 
wonderful  than  on  the  former,  for  the  men  declared  posi- 
tively that  he  never  came  off  in  the  boat,  which,  had  he 
done,  would  have  unravelled  the  whole  mystery  ;  and  that 
a  dog  thrown  overboard,  and  swept  away  by  the  tide 
should  be  discovered  shortly  after  perfectly  dry  and  com- 
fortable, not  only  on  board  of  the  cutter,  which  he  could 
not  have  got  on  board  of,  but  also  in  his  master's  cabin, 
which  he  could  not  get  into  without  being  seen,  proved  at 
once  that  the  animal  was  supernatural.  No  one  was  now 
hardy  enough  to  deny  it,  and  no  one  appeared  to  have  the 
least  idea  of  how  to  proceed  except  Smallbones,  who,  as 
we  have  shown,  was  as  full  of  energy  as  he  was  deficient 
in  fat.  On  all  occasions  of  this  kind  the  bravest  becomes 
the  best  man  and  takes  the  lead,  and  Smallbones,  who 
appeared  more  collected  and  less  alarmed  than  the  others, 
was  now  listened  to  with  attention,  and  the  crowd  collected 
round  him. 

"  I  don't  care  for  him  or  for  his  dog  either,"  exclaimed 
Smallbones,  with  a  drawling  intrepid  tone  -,  "  that  dog 
I'll  settle  the  hash  of  some  way  or  the  other,  if  it  be  the 
devil's  own  cousin.  I'll  not  come  for  to  go  to  leave  off 
now,  that's  sartain,  as  I  am  Peter  Smallbones — I'se  got 
a  plan." 

** Let's  hear  Smallbones, — let's  hear  Smallbones!" 
exclaimed  some  of  the  men.  Whereupon  they  all 
collected  round  the  lad,  who  addressed  the  crew  as 
follows.  His  audience,  at  first,  crowded  up  close  to 
him,  but  Smallbones,  who  could  not  talk  without  his 
arms,  which  were  about  as  long  and  thin  as  a  Pongo's 
are  in  proportion  to  his  body,  flapped  and  flapped  as  he 
discoursed,  until  he  had  cleared  a  little  ring,  and  when 
in  the  height  of  his  energy  he  threw  them  about  like  the 
arms  of  a  windmill,  every  one  kept  at  a  respectable 
distance. 


The  Dog  Fiend  163 

**  Well,  now,  I  considers  this,  if  so  be  as  how  the  dog 
be  a  devil,  and  not  a  dog,  I  sees  no  reason  for  to  come 
for  to  go  for  to  be  afraid ;  for  ar'n't  we  all  true  Christians, 
and  don't  we  all  fear  God  and  honour  the  king  ?  I 
sartainly  myself  does  consider  that  that  ere  dog  could  not 
a  have  cummed  into  this  here  vessel  by  any  manner  of 
means  natural  not  by  no  means,  'cause  it's  very  clear, 
that  a  dog  if  he  be  as  he  be  a  dog,  can't  do  no  more 
than  other  dogs  can ;  and  if  he  can  do  more  than  heither 
dog  or  man  can,  then  he  must  be  the  devil,  and  not  a  dog 
— and  so  he  is — that's  sartain.  But  if  so  be  as  he  is  the 
devil,  I  say  again,  I  don't  care,  'cause  I  sees  exactly  how 
it  is, — he  be  a  devil,  but  he  be  only  a  sea-devil  and  not 
a  shore-devil,  and  I'll  tell  you  for  why.  Didn't  he  come 
on  board  some  how  no  how  in  a  gale  of  wind  when  he 
was  called  for  ?  Didn't  I  sew  him  up  in  a  bread-bag, 
and  didn't  he  come  back  just  as  nothing  had  happened ; 
and  didn't  the  corporal  launch  him  into  a  surge  over  the 
tafFrail,  and  he  comes  back  just  as  if  nothing  had  happened  ? 
Well,  then,  one  thing  is  clear ;  that  his  power  be  on  the 
water,  and  no  water  will  drown  that  ere  imp,  so  it's  no 
use  trying  no  more  in  that  way,  for  he  be  a  sea-devil. 
But  I  thinks  this :  he  goes  on  shore  and  he  comes  back 
with  one  of  his  impish  eyes  knocked  out  clean  by  some- 
body or  another  somehow  or  another,  and,  therefore,  I 
argues  that  he  have  no  power  on  shore  not  by  no  means ; 
for  if  you  can  knock  his  eye  out,  you  can  knock  his  soul 
out  of  his  body,  by  only  knocking  a  little  more  to  the 
purpose.  Who  ever  heard  of  any  one  knocking  out  the 
devil's  eye,  or  injuring  him  in  any  way  ? — No ;  because 
he  have  power  by  sea  and  by  land :  but  this  here  be  only 
a  water-devil,  and  he  may  be  killed  on  dry  land.  Now, 
that's  just  my  opinion,  and  as  soon  as  I  gets  him  on 
shore,  I  means  to  try  what  I  can  do.  I  don't  fear  him, 
nor  his  master,  nor  anything  else,  'cause  I'm  a  Christian, 
and  was  baptised  Peter  •,  and  I  tells  you  all,  that  be  he 
a  dog,  or  be  he  a  devil,  I'll  have  a  shy  at  him  as  soon  as 
I  can,  and  if  I  don't,  I  hope  I  may  be  d — d,  that's  all." 


164  Snarleyyow;  or, 

Such  was  the  oration  of  Smallbones,  which  was  remark- 
ably well  received.  Everyone  agreed  with  the  soundness 
of  his  arguments,  and  admired  his  resolution,  and  as  he 
had  comprised  in  his  speech  all  that  could  be  said  upon 
the  subject,  they  broke  up  the  conference,  and  everyone 
went  down  to  his  hammock. 


Chapter   XXIII 

In  which  Mr  Vanslyperken  finds  great  cause  of  vexation  and  satisfaction. 

In  the  meanwhile  Mr  Vanslyperken  was  anything  but 
comfortable  in  his  mind.  That  Corporal  Van  Spitter 
should  assert  that  he  saw  the  devil  at  his  shoulder,  was 
a  matter  of  no  small  annoyance  any  way  ;  for  either  the 
devil  was  at  his  shoulder  or  he  was  not.  If  he  was,  why 
then  it  was  evident  that  in  consequence  of  his  having 
attempted  murder,  and  having  betrayed  his  country  for 
money,  the  devil  considered  him  as  his  own,  and  this  Mr 
Vanslyperken  did  not  approve  of;  for,  like  many  others 
in  this  world,  he  wished  to  commit  every  crime,  and  go 
to  heaven  after  all.  Mr  Vanslyperken  was  superstitious 
and  cowardly,  and  he  did  believe  that  such  a  thing  was 
possible ;  and  when  he  canvassed  it  in  his  mind,  he 
trembled,  and  looked  over  his  shoulder. 

But  Corporal  Van  Spitter  might  have  asserted  it  only 
to  frighten  him.  It  was  possible — but  here  again  was 
a  difficulty  ;  the  corporal  had  been  his  faithful  confidant 
for  so  long  a  while,  and  to  suppose  this,  would  be  to 
suppose  that  the  corporal  was  a  traitor  to  him,  and  that, 
upon  no  grounds  which  Vanslyperken  could  conjecture, 
he  had  turned  false  :  this  was  impossible — Mr  Vanslyperken 
would  not  credit  it ;  so  there  he  stuck,  like  a  man  between 
the  horns  of  a  dilemma,  not  knowing  what  to  do ;  for 
Mr  Vanslyperken  resolved,  had  the  devil  really  been 
there,  to  have  repented  immediately,  and  have  led  a  new 


The  Dog  Fiend  165 

life  ;  but  if  the  devil  had  not  been  there,  Mr  Vanslyperken 
did  not  perceive  any  cause  for  such  an  immediate  hurry. 

At  last,  an  idea  presented  itself  to  Mr  Vanslyperken's 
mind,  which  afforded  him  great  comfort,  which  was, 
that  the  corporal  had  suffered  so  much  from  his  boat 
adventures — for  the  corporal  had  made  the  most  of  his 
sufferings — that  he  was  a  little  affected  in  his  mind,  and 
had  thought  that  he  had  seen  something.  **  It  must  have 
been  so,"  said  Mr  Vanslyperken,  who  fortified  the  idea 
with  a  glass  of  scheedam,  and  then  went  to  bed. 

Now,  it  so  happened,  that  at  the  very  time  that  Mr 
Vanslyperken  was  arguing  all  this  in  his  brain,  Corporal 
Van  Spitter  was  also  cogitating  how  he  should  get  out  of 
his  scrape  ;  for  the  Corporal,  although  not  very  bright,  had 
much  of  the  cunning  of  little  minds,  and  he  felt  the 
necessity  of  lulling  the  suspicions  of  the  lieutenant.  To 
conceal  his  astonishment  and  fear  at  the  appearance  of  the 
dog,  he  had  libelled  Mr  Vanslyperken,  who  would  not 
easily  forgive,  and  it  was  the  corporal's  interest  to  continue 
on  the  best  terms  with,  and  enjoy  the  confidence  of  his 
superior.  How  was  this  to  be  got  over  ?  It  took  the 
whole  of  the  first  watch,  and  two-thirds  of  the  middle, 
before  the  corporal,  who  lay  in  his  hammock,  could  hit 
upon  any  plan.  At  last  he  thought  he  had  succeeded.  At 
daybreak,  Corporal  Van  Spitter  entered  the  cabin  of  Mr 
Vanslyperken,  who  very  coolly  desired  him  to  tell  Short  to 
get  all  ready  for  weighing  at  six  o'clock. 

"If  you  please.  Mynheer  Vanslyperken,  you  think  me 
mad  last  night  'cause  I  see  de  tyfel  at  your  shoulder. 
Mynheer  Vanslyperken,  I  see  him  twice  again  this  night  on 
lower  deck.  Mein  Gott !  Mynheer  Vanslyperken,  I  say 
twice." 

"  Saw  him  again  twice  !  "  replied  the  lieutenant. 

**  Yes,  Mynheer  Vanslyperken,  I  see  twice  again — I  see 
him  very  often  since  I  drift  in  de  boat.  First,  I  see  him 
when  in  de  boat — since  that  I  see  him  one  time,  two  times, 
in  de  night." 

"  It's  just  as  I  thought,"  said   Mr   Vanslyperken,  "  he 


1 66  Snarleyyow;  or, 

has  never  got  over  his  alarm  of  that  night. — Very  well. 
Corporal  Van  Spitter,  it's  of  no  consequence.  I  was  very 
angry  with  you  last  night,  because  I  thought  you  were 
taking  great  liberties  ;  but  I  see  now  how  it  is,  you  must 
keep  yourself  quiet,  and  as  soon  as  we  arrive  at  Portsmouth, 
you  had  better  lose  a  little  blood." 

"  How  much.  Mynheer  Vanslyperken,  do  you  wish  I 
should  lose  ? "  replied  the  corporal,  with  his  military  salute. 

*'  About  eight  ounces,  corporal." 

"  Yes,  sir,"  replied  the  corporal,  turning  on  his  pivot, 
and  marching  out  of  the  cabin. 

This  was  a  peculiarly  satisfactory  interview  to  both 
parties.  Mr  Vanslyperken  was  overjoyed  at  the  corporal's 
explanation,  and  the  corporal  was  equally  delighted  at 
having  so  easily  gulled  his  superior. 

The  cutter  weighed  that  morning,  and  sailed  for  Ports- 
mouth. We  shall  pass  over  the  passage  without  any 
further  remarks  than  that  the  corporal  was  reinstated  into 
Mr  Vanslyperken's  good  graces — that  he  appeared  as  usual 
to  be  harsh  with  the  ship's  company,  and  to  oppress  Small- 
bones  more  than  ever;  but  this  was  at  the  particular 
request  of  the  lad,  who  played  his  own  part  to  admiration 
— that  Mr  Vanslyperken  again  brought  up  the  question  of 
flogging  Jemmy  Ducks,  but  was  prevented  by  the  corporal's 
expressing  his  fears  of  a  mutiny— and  had  also  some  secret 
conference  with  the  corporal  as  to  his  desire  of  vengeance 
upon  Smallbones,  to  which  Van  Spitter  gave  a  ready  ear, 
and  appeared  to  be  equally  willing  with  the  lieutenant  to 
bring  it  about.  Things  were  in  this  state  when  the 
cutter  arrived  at  Portsmouth,  and,  as  usual,  ran  into 
the  harbour.  It  may  be  supposed  that  Mr  Vansly- 
perken was  in  all  haste  to  go  on  shore  to  pay  his  visit  to  his 
charming  widow,  but  still  there  was  one  thing  to  be  done 
first,  which  was  to  report  himself  to  the  admiral. 

On  his  arrival  at  the  admiral's,  much  to  his  dissatisfaction, 
he  was  informed  that  he  must  hold  himself  ready  for  sailing 
immediately,  as  despatches  for  the  Hague  were  expected 
down  on  the  next  morning.     This  would  give  but  a  short 


The  Dog  Fiend  167 

time  to  pay  his  addresses,  and  he  therefore  made  all  haste 
to  the  widow's  presence,  and  was  most  graciously  received- 
She  almost  flew  into  his  arms,  upbraided  him  for  being  so 
long  away,  for  not  having  written  to  her,  and  showed  such 
marks  of  strong  attachment,  that  Vanslyperken  was  in 
ecstasies.  When  he  told  her  that  he  expected  to  sail  again 
immediately,  she  put  her  handkerchief  up  to  her  eyes,  and 
appeared,  to  Vanslyperken  at  least,  to  shed  a  few  bitter 
tears.  As  soon  as  she  was  a  little  more  composed,  Vansly- 
perken produced  the  packet  with  which  he  was  entrusted, 
which  she  opened,  and  took  out  two  letters,  one  for  herself, 
and  the  other  addressed  to  a  certain  person  in  a  house  in 
another  street. 

"  This,"  said  the  widow,  "  you  must  deliver  yourself — it 
is  of  consequence.  I  would  deliver  it,  but  if  I  do,  I  shall 
not  be  able  to  look  after  my  little  arrangements  for  dinner, 
for  you  dine  with  me  of  course.  Besides,  you  must  be 
acquainted  with  this  person  one  time  or  another,  as  it  will 
be  for  OUR  advantage." 

**  Our  advantage  !  "  how  delightful  to  Mr  Vanslyperken 
was  that  word  !  He  jumped  up  immediately,  and  took  his 
hat  to  execute  the  commission,  the  injunction  of  the  widow 
to  be  soon  back  hastening  his  departure.  Vanslyperken 
soon  arrived  at  the  door,  knocked,  and  was  admitted. 

"Vat  vash  you  vant,  sare?"  said  a  venerable  looking 
old  Jew,  who  opened  the  door  to  him. 

"  Is  your  name  Lazarus  ?  "  inquired  the  lieutenant. 

*'  Dat  vash  my  name." 

**  I  have  a  letter  for  you." 

"  A  letter  for  me  ! — and  from  vare  ?  " 

"  Amsterdam." 

**  Shee !  silence,"  said  the  Jew,  leading  the  way  into  a 
small  room,  and  shutting  the  door. 

Vanslyperken  delivered  the  letter,  which  the  Jew  did 
not  open,  but  laid  on  the  table.  **  It  vas  from  my  worthy 
friend  in  Billen  Shaaten.     He  ist  veil  ? " 

**  Quite  well,"  replied  Vanslyperken. 

**  Ven  do  you  sail  again,  mynheer  ?" 


1 68  Snarleyyow ;  or, 

"  To-morrow  morning." 

"  Dat  is  good.  I  have  the  letters  all  ready ;  dey  come 
down  yesterday — vil  you  vait  and  take  them  now  ? " 

"  Yes,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  who  anticipated  another 
rouleau  of  gold  on  his  arrival  at  Amsterdam. 

"  An  den  I  will  give  you  your  monish  at  de  same  time." 

More  money,  thought  Vanslyperken,  who  replied  then, 
**  With  all  my  heart,"  and  took  a  chair. 

The  Jew  left  the  room,  and  soon  returned  with  a  small 
yellow  bag,  which  he  put  into  Vanslyperken's  hand,  and 
a  large  packet  carefully  sealed.  "  Dis  vas  of  de  hutmost 
importance,"  said  the  old  man,  giving  him  the  packet. 
"  You  will  find  you  monish  all  right,  and  now  vas  please 
just  put  your  name  here,  for  I  vas  responsible  for  all  de 
account ; "  and  the  Jew  laid  down  a  receipt  for  Vansly- 
perken to  sign.  Vanslyperken  read  it  over.  It  was  an 
acknowledgment  for  the  sum  of  fifty  guineas,  but  not 
specifying  for  what  service.  He  did  not  much  like  to  sign 
it,  but  how  could  he  refuse  ?  Besides,  as  the  Jew  said,  it 
was  only  to  prove  that  the  money  was  paid ;  nevertheless 
he  objected. 

**  Vy  vill  you  not  sign  ?  I  must  not  lose  my  monish, 
and  I  shall  lose  it  if  you  do  not  sign.  Vat  you  fear — you 
not  fear  that  we  peach  ;  ven  peoples  pay  so  high,  they  not 
pay  for  noting.  "We  all  sail  hang  togeder  if  de  affair  be 
found." 

Hang  together !  thought  Vanslyperken,  whose  fears 
were  roused,  and  he  turned  pale. 

**  You  are  veil  paid  for  your  shervices — you  vas  veil 
paid  at  doder  side  of  de  vater,  and  you  are  now  von  of  us. 
You  cannot  go  back,  or  your  life  vill  be  forfeit,  I  can 
assure  you — you  vill  sign  if  you  please — and  you  vill  not 
leave  dis  house,  until  you  do  sign,"  continued  the  Jew. 
"  You  vill  not  take  our  monish  and  den  give  de  informa- 
tion, and  hang  us  all.     You  vill  sign,  if  you  please,  sare." 

There  was  a  steadiness  of  countenance  and  a  firmness 
in  the  tone  of  the  old  man,  which  told  Vanslyperken  that 
he  was  not  to  be  trifled  with,  and  assured  him  that  he 


The  Dog  Fiend  169 

must  have  help  at  hand  if  requisite.  If  left  to  himself,  the 
Jew  would  have  been  easily  mastered  by  the  lieutenant,  but 
that  such  was  not  the  case,  was  soon  proved,  by  the  old 
man  ringing  a  small  silver  bell  on  the  table,  and  shortly 
afterwards  there  was  a  rustling  and  noise,  as  if  of  several 
persons,  heard  in  the  passage.  Vanslyperken  now 
perceived  that  he  was  entrapped,  and  he  also  felt  that  it 
was  too  late  to  retreat.  Actuated  by  his  fear  of  violence 
on  the  one  hand,  and  his  love  of  gold  on  the  other,  he 
consented  to  sign  the  voucher  required.  As  soon  as  this 
was  done,  the  old  Jew  was  all  civility.  He  took  the 
paper,  and  locked  it  up  in  a  large  cabinet,  and  then 
observed, 

"It  is  for  your  own  shafety,  sare  lieutenant,  dat  we  are 
obliged  to  do  dis.  You  have  noting  to  fear — we  are  too 
much  in  want  of  good  friends  like  you,  to  lose  them,  but 
we  must  be  safe  and  shure  -,  now  you  are  von  of  us — you 
cannot  tell  but  we  can  tell  too — we  profit  togeder,  and  I 
vill  hope  dat  we  do  run  no  risk  to  be  hang  togeder. 
Fader  Abraham  I  we  must  not  think  of  that,  but  of  de 
good  cause,  and  of  de  monish.  I  am  a  Jew,  and  I  care 
not  whether  de  Papist  or  de  Protestant  have  de  best  of  it 
— but  I  call  it  all  de  good  cause,  because  every  cause  is 
good  which  brings  de  monish." 

So  thought  Vanslyperken,  who  was  in  heart  a  Jew. 

**  And  now,  sare,  you  vill  please  to  take  great  care  of 
de  packet,  and  deliver  it  to  our  friend  at  Amsterdam, 
and  you  vill  of  course  come  to  me  ven  you  return  here." 

Vanslyperken  took  his  leave,  with  the  packet  in  his 
pocket,  not  very  well  pleased ;  but  as  he  put  the  packet 
in,  he  felt  the  yellow  bag,  and  that  to  a  certain  degree 
consoled  him.  The  old  Jew  escorted  him  to  the  door, 
with  his  little  keen  gray  eyes  fixed  upon  him,  and  Vansly- 
perken quailed  before  it,  and  was  glad  when  he  was  once 
more  in  the  street.  He  hastened  back  to  the  widow's 
house,  full  of  thought — he  certainly  had  never  intended 
to  have  so  committed  himself  as  he  had  done,  or  to  have 
positively   enrolled  himself  among   the   partisans   of  the 


170  Snarleyyow;  or, 

exiled  king ;  but  the  money  had  entrapped  him — he  had 
twice  taken  their  wages,  and  he  had  now  been  obliged  to 
give  them  security  for  his  fidelity,  by  enabling  them  to 
prove  his  guilt  whenever  they  pleased.  All  this  made  Mr 
Vanslyperken  rather  melancholy  —  but  his  meditations 
were  put  an  end  to  by  his  arrival  in  the  presence  of  the 
charming  widow.  She  asked  him  what  had  passed,  and 
he  narrated  it,  but  with  a  little  variation,  for  he  would 
not  tell  that  he  had  signed  through  a  fear  of  violence,  but, 
at  the  same  time,  he  observed,  that  he  did  not  much  like 
signing  a  receipt. 

"  But  that  is  necessary,"  replied  she ;  "  and  besides, 
why  not  ?  I  know  you  are  on  our  side,  and  you  will 
prove  most  valuable  to  us.  Indeed,  I  believe  it  was  your 
readiness  to  meet  my  wishes  that  made  me  so  fond  of  you, 
for  I  am  devotedly  attached  to  the  rightful  king,  and  I 
never  would  marry  any  man  who  would  not  risk  life  and 
soul  for  him,  as  you  have  done  now." 

The  expression  "life  and  soul,"  made  Vanslyperken 
shudder,  and  his  flesh  crept  all  over  his  body. 

" Besides,"  continued  the  widow,  "it  will  be  no  small 
help  to  us,  for  the  remuneration  is  very  great." 

"  To  us  !  "  thought  Vanslyperken,  who  now  thought  it 
right  to  press  his  suit.  He  was  listened  to  attentively, 
and  at  last  he  proposed  an  early  day  for  the  union.  The 
widow  blushed,  and  turned  her  head  away,  and  at  last 
replied,  with  a  sweet  smile,  "  Well,  Mr  Vanslyperken,  I  will 
neither  tease  you  nor  myself — when  you  come  back  from 
your  next  trip,  I  consent  to  be  yours." 

What  was  Vanslyperken's  delight  and  exultation  !  He 
threw  himself  on  his  knees,  promised,  and  vowed,  and 
thanked,  kissed  hands,  and  was  in  such  ecstasies !  He 
could  hardly  imagine  that  his  good  fortune  was  real.  A 
beautiful  widow  with  a  handsome  fortune — how  could 
he  ever  have  thought  of  throwing  himself  away  upon  such 
a  bunch  of  deformity  as  the  Frau  Vandersloosh  ?  Poor 
Mr  Vanslyperken  !  Dinner  put  an  end  to  his  protestations. 
He  fared   sumptuously,  and   drank   freely  to  please   the 


The  Dog  Fiend  171 

widow.  He  drank  death  to  the  usurper,  and  restoration 
to  the  King  James.  What  a  delightful  evening !  The 
widow  was  so  amiable,  so  gentle,  so  yielding,  so,  so,  so — 
what  with  wine  and  love,  and  fifty  guineas  in  his  pocket, 
Mr  Vanslyperken  was  so  overcome  with  his  feelings,  that 
at  last  he  felt  but  so  so.  After  a  hundred  times  returning 
to  kiss  her  dear,  dear  hand,  and  at  last  sealing  the  contract 
on  her  lips,  Mr  Vanslyperken  departed,  full  of  wine  and 
hope — two  very  good  things  to  lay  in  a  stock  of. 

But  there  was  something  doing  on  board  during  Mr 
Vanslyperken's  absence.  Notwithstanding  Mr  Vansly- 
perken having  ordered  Moggy  out  of  the  cutter,  she  had 
taken  the  opportunity  of  his  being  away  to  go  on  board  to 
her  dear,  darling  Jemmy.  Dick  Short  did  not  prevent  her 
coming  on  board,  and  he  was  commanding  officer,  so 
Moggy  once  more  had  her  husband  in  her  arms  ;  but  the 
fond  pair  soon  retired  to  a  quiet  corner,  where  they  had  a 
long  and  serious  conversation  ;  so  long,  and  so  important, 
it  would  appear,  that  they  did  not  break  off  until  Mr 
Vanslyperken  came  on  board,  just  before  dark.  His  quick 
eye  soon  perceived  that  there  was  a  petticoat  at  the  taffrail, 
where  they  retired  that  they  might  not  be  overheard,  and 
he  angrily  inquired  who  it  was,  his  wrath  was  not  appeased 
when  he  heard  that  it  was  SaHsbury's  wife,  and  he  ordered 
her  immediately  to  be  put  on  shore,  and  sent  for  Corporal 
Van  Spitter  in  his  cabin,  to  know  why  she  was  on  board. 
The  corporal  replied,  **  That  Mr  Short  had  let  her  in ; 
that  he  had  wished  to  speak  on  the  subject,  but  that  Mr 
Short  would  not  speak,"  and  then  entertained  his  superior 
with  a  long  account  of  mutinous  expressions  on  the  lower 
deck,  and  threats  of  doing  him  (Mr  Vanslyperken)  a 
mischief.  This  conversation  was  interrupted  by  a  mes- 
senger coming  on  board  with  the  despatches,  and  an  order 
to  sail  at  daylight,  and  return  immediately  without  waiting 
for  any  answers. 

The  reader  may  wish  to  know  the  subject  of  the  long 
conversation  between  Jemmy  Ducks  and  his  wife.  It  in- 
volved the  following  question.     Moggy  had  become  very 


172  Snarleyyow;  or, 

useful  to  Nancy  Corbett,  and  Nancy,  whose  services  were 
required  at  the  cave,  and  could  not  well  be  dispensed  with, 
had  long  been  anxious  to  find  some  one,  who,  with  the  same 
general  knowledge  of  parties,  and  the  same  discrimination, 
could  be  employed  in  her  stead.  In  Moggy  she  had  found 
the  person  required,  but  Moggy  would  not  consent  without 
her  husband  was  of  the  same  party,  and  here  lay  the  diffi- 
culty. Nancy  had  had  a  reply,  which  was  satisfactory, 
from  Sir  Robert  Barclay,  so  far  as  this.  He  required  one 
or  two  more  men,  and  they  must  be  trustworthy,  and  able 
to  perform  the  duty  in  the  boats.  Jemmy  was  not  very 
great  at  pulling,  for  his  arms  were  too  short  as  well  as  his 
legs,  but  he  was  a  capital  steersman.  All  this  had  been 
explained  to  Nancy,  who  at  last  consented  to  Jemmy  being 
added  to  the  crew  of  the  smuggler,  and  Moggy  had  gone 
off  to  the  cutter  to  persuade  Jemmy  to  desert,  and  to  join 
the  smugglers. 

Now,  as  to  joining  the  smugglers.  Jemmy  had  not  the 
least  objection  :  he  was  tired  of  the  cutter,  and  being 
separated  from  his  wife  had  been  to  him  a  source  of  great 
discontent ;  but,  as  Jemmy  very  truly  observed,  "  If 
I  desert  from  the  vessel,  and  am  ever  seen  again,  I  am 
certain  to  be  known,  and  taken  up  ;  therefore  I  will  not 
desert,  I  will  wait  till  I  am  paid  off,  unless  you  can 
procure  my  discharge  by  means  of  your  friends."  Such 
had  been  the  result  of  the  colloquy,  when  interrupted  by 
the  arrival  of  Vanslyperken,  and  the  case  thus  stood, 
when,  on  the  next  morning,  at  daylight,  the  cutter 
weighed,  and  steered  her  course  for  the  Texel. 


Chapter   XXIV 

In  which  Mr  Vanslyperken  has  nothing  but  trouble  from  the  beginning 
to  the  end. 

So  soon  as  the  cutter  had  sailed.  Moggy  hastened  to  the 
pretended  widow  to  report   the  answer  of  her  husband. 


The  Dog  Fiend  173 

Nancy  considered  that  there  was  much  sound  judgment 
in  what  Jemmy  had  said,  and  immediately  repaired  to  the 
house  of  the  Jew,  Lazarus,  to  whom  she  communicated 
her  wishes.  At  that  time,  there  were  many  people  high 
in  office  who  secretly  favoured  King  James,  and  the  links 
of  communication  between  such  humble  individuals  as  we 
are  treating  of,  with  those  in  power,  although  distant, 
were  perfect. 

In  a  few  days,  an  order  came  down  for  the  discharge  of 
James  Salisbury  from  the  cutter  Tungfrau,  and  the  letter 
the  same  day  was  put  into  the  hands  of  the  delighted 
Moggy. 

Mr  Vanslyperken  made  his  short  passage  to  the  Zuyder 
Zee,  and  anchored  as  usual ;  and  when  he  had  anchored, 
he  proceeded  to  go  on  shore.  Previously,  however,  to 
his  stepping  into  the  boat,  the  ship's  company  came  aft, 
with  Jemmy  at  their  head,  to  know  whether  they  might 
have  leave  on  shore,  as  they  were  not  very  well  pleased  at 
their  liberty  having  been  stopped  at  Portsmouth. 

Mr  Vanslyperken  very  politely  told  them  that  he  would 
see  them  all  at  the  devil  first,  and  then  stepped  into  his 
boat  J  he  at  once  proceeded  to  the  house  of  the  Jesuit,  and 
this  time,  much  to  his  satisfaction,  without  having  been 
perceived,  as  he  thought,  by  the  widow  Vandersloosh  and 
Babette,  who  did  not  appear  at  the  door.  Having 
delivered  his  despatches,  and  received  his  customary  fee, 
Mr  Vanslyperken  mentioned  the  difficulty  of  his  coming 
to  the  house,  as  he  was  watched  by  some  people  opposite, 
and  inquired  if  he  could  have  the  letters  sent  under  cover 
to  himself  by  some  trusty  hand,  mentioning  the  ill-will  of 
the  parties  in  question.  To  this  the  Jesuit  consented,  and 
Vanslyperken  took  his  leave  ;  but  on  leaving  the  house  he 
was  again  annoyed  by  the  broad  form  of  the  widow,  with 
Babette,  as  usual,  at  her  shoulder,  with  their  eyes  fixed 
upon  him.  Without  attempting  a  recognition,  for  Vansly- 
perken cared  little  for  the  opinion  of  the  Frau  Vandersloosh, 
now  that  he  was  accepted  by  the  fair  widow  of  Portsmouth, 
Mr  Vanslyperken  walked  quietly  away. 


174  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"  Ah,  very  well,  Mr  Vanslyperken  —  very  well," 
exclaimed  the  Frau  Vandersloosh,  as  he  pursued  his  way 
at  a  rapid  rate ;  "  very  well,  Mr  Vanslyperken — we  shall 
see — three  times  have  you  entered  those  doors,  and  with 
a  fifty  guineas  in  your  pocket,  I'll  be  bound,  every  time 
that  you  have  walked  out  of  them.  Treason  is  paid  high, 
but  the  traitor  sometimes  hangs  higher  still.  Yes,  yes, 
Mr  Vanslyperken,  we  shall  see — we  are  evidence,  Mr 
Vanslyperken — and  I'll  not  be  married  before  I  see  you 
well  hanged,  Mr  Vanslyperken.  Deary  me,  Babette," 
exclaimed  the  widow,  altering  her  tone,  "  I  wonder  how 
the  corporal  is  :  poor  dear  man,  to  be  ruled  by  such  a 
traitorous  atomy  as  he." 

"  Perhaps  he  will  come  ashore,  madam,"  replied 
Babette. 

"No,  no,  he  will  never  let  him;  but,  as  you  say, 
perhaps  he  may.  Put  half  a  dozen  bottles  of  the  best  beer 
to  the  stove — not  too  near,  Babette — he  is  fond  of  my 
beer,  and  it  does  one's  heart  good  to  see  him  drink  it, 
Babette.  And,  Babette,  I'll  just  go  up  and  put  on  some- 
thing a  little  tidier.  I  think  he  will  come — I  know  he  will 
if  he  can." 

We  must  leave  the  widow  to  decorate  her  person,  and 
follow  Vanslyperken  down  to  the  boat,  and  on  board.  On 
his  arrival,  he  went  down  into  the  cabin  to  lock  up  his 
money.  When  Corporal  Van  Spitter  went  to  the  cabin- 
door,  the  corporal  heard  the  clanking  of  the  pieces  as 
Vanslyperken  counted  them,  and  his  bile  was  raised  at  the 
idea  of  Vanslyperken  possessing  that  which  should  have 
been  his  own.  The  corporal  waited  a  little,  and  then 
knocked.  Vanslyperken  put  away  the  rest  of  his  money, 
shut  the  drawer,  and  told  him  to  come  in. 

The  corporal  saluted,  and  made  a  request  to  be  allowed 
to  go  on  shore  for  an  hour  or  two. 

"  Go  on  shore  !  you  go  on  shore,  corporal  ?  why  you 
never  asked  to  go  on  shore  before,"  replied  the  suspicious 
Vanslyperken. 

"  If  you  please,  sir,"  replied  the  corporal,  "  I  wish  to 


The  Dog  Fiend  175 

pay  de  people  who  gave  me  de  board  and  de  lodging  ven  I 
vas  last  on  shore." 

*'  Ah,  very  true,  I  forgot  that,  corporal.  Well,  then, 
you  may  go  on  shore ;  but  do  not  stop  long,  for  the  people 
are  much  inclined  to  mutiny,  and  I  cannot  do  without 
you." 

The  corporal  quitted  the  cabin  and  was  put  on  shore  by 
two  of  the  men  in  the  small  boat.  He  hastened  up  to  the 
widow's  house,  and  was  received  with  open  arms.  Seated 
on  the  squab  sofa,  with  a  bottle  of  beer  on  the  table,  and 
five  others  all  ready  at  the  stove,  the  widow's  smiles 
beaming  on  him,  who  could  be  more  happy  than  the 
Corporal  Van  Spitter  ?  The  blinds  were  up  at  the 
windows,  the  front  door  fast  to  prevent  intrusion,  and 
then  the  widow  and  he  entered  into  a  long  colloquy, 
interrupted  occasionally  by  little  amorous  dallyings,  which 
reminded  you  of  the  wooings  of  a  male  and  female 
elephant. 

We  shall  give  the  substance  of  the  conversation.  The 
widow  expressed  her  indignation  against  Vanslyperken, 
and  her  resolution  not  to  be  married  until  he  was  hanged.. 
The  corporal  immediately  became  an  interested  party, 
and  vowed  that  he  would  assist  all  in  his  power.  He 
narrated  all  that  had  passed  since  he  had  left  the  widow's, 
and  the  supernatural  appearance  of  the  dog  after  he  had 
thrown  it  overboard.  He  then  pointed  out  that  it  was 
necessary  that  Vanslyperken  should  not  only  be  blinded  as 
to  the  state  of  matters  between  them,  but  that,  to  entrap 
him  still  more,  the  widow  should,  if  possible,  make  friends 
with  him.  To  this  the  widow  unwillingly  consented ;  but 
as  the  corporal  pointed  out  that  that  was  the  only  chance 
of  her  occasionally  seeing  him,  and  that  by  his  pretending 
to  be  in  love  with  Babette,  Vanslyperken  might  be  de- 
ceived completely,  she  did  consent  *,  the  more  so,  that  the 
greater  would  be  his  disappointment  at  the  end,  the  more 
complete  would  be  her  vengeance.  Their  plans  being 
arranged,  it  was  then  debated  whether  it  would  not  be 
better  to  send  some  message  on  board  to  Vanslyperken^ 


iy6         '  Snarleyyow;  or, 

and  it  was  agreed  that  it  should  be  taken  by  the  corporaL 
At  last  all  was  arranged,  the  six  bottles  of  beer  were 
finished,  and  the  corporal  having  been  permitted  to  im- 
print as  many  hearty  smacks  upon  the  widow's  thick  and 
juicy  lips,  he  returned  on  board. 

"Come  on  board.  Mynheer  Vanslyperken,"  said  the 
corporal,  entering  the  cabin. 

"  Very  well,  corporal ;  did  you  do  all  you  wanted  ?  for 
we  sail  again  at  daylight." 

"  Yes,  mynheer,  and  I  see  somebody  I  never  see 
before." 

"  Who  was  that,  corporal  ?  "  replied  Vanslyperken,  for 
he  had  been  feasting  upon  the  recollections  of  the  fair 
Portsmouth  widow,  and  was  in  a  very  good  humour. 

"  One  fine  Frau,  Mynheer  Vanslyperken — very  fine 
Frau.     Babette  came  up  to  me  in  the  street." 

"Oh,  Babette — well,  what  did  she  say?" 

Hereupon  the  corporal,  as  agreed  with  the  widow, 
entered  into  a  long  explanation,  stating  his  Babette  had 
told  him  that  her  mistress  was  very  much  surprised  that 
Mr  Vanslyperken  had  passed  close  to  the  door,  and  had 
never  come  in  to  call  upon  her ;  that  her  mistress  had 
been  quite  satisfied  with  Mr  Vanslyperken's  letter,  and 
would  wish  to  see  him  again  ;  and  that  he,  the  corporal, 
had  told  Babette  the  dog  had  been  destroyed  by  him, 
Mr  Vanslyperken,  and  he  hoped  he  had  done  right  in 
saying  so. 

"  No,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  "  you  have  done  wrong  ; 
and  if  you  go  on  shore  again,  you  may  just  give  this 
answer,  that  Mr  Vanslyperken  don't  care  a  d — n  for  the 
old  woman  \  that  she  may  carry  her  carcass  to  some  other 
market,  for  Mr  Vanslyperken  would  not  touch  her  with 
a  pair  of  tongs.     Will  you  recollect  that,  corporal  ?  " 

"  Yes,"  replied  the  corporal,  grinding  his  teeth  at  this 
insult  to  his  betrothed,  "  yes,  mynheer,  I  will  recollect 
that.     Mein  Gott !     I  shall  not  forget  it." 

"Kill  my  dog,  heh  !"  continued  Vanslyperken,  talking 
to  himself  aloud.     "  Yes,  yes,  Frau  Vandersloosh,  you 


The  Dog  Fiend  177 

shall  fret  to  some  purpose.  Til  worry  down  your  fat  for 
you.  Yes,  yes,  Madam  Vandersloosh,  you  shall  bite 
your  nails  to  the  quick  yet.  Nothing  would  please  you 
but  Snarleyyow  dead  at  your  porch.  My  dog,  indeed  ! — 
you  may  go  now,  corporal." 

**  Mein  Gott !  but  ve  vill  see  as  well  as  you.  Mynheer 
Vanslyperken,"  muttered  the  corporal,  as  he  walked 
forward. 

After  dark,  a  man  came  alongside  in  a  small  boat,  and 
desired  to  see  Mr  Vanslyperken.  As  soon  as  he  was  in 
the  cabin  and  the  door  shut,  he  laid  some  letters  on  the 
table,  and  without  saying  a  word  went  on  deck  and  on 
shore  again.  At  daybreak  the  cutter  weighed,  and  ran 
with  a  fair  wind  to  Portsmouth. 

With  what  a  bounding  heart  did  Mr  Vanslyperken  step 
into  the  boat  attired  in  his  best !  He  hardly  could  prevail 
upon  himself  to  report  his  arrival  to  the  admiral,  so 
impatient  was  he  to  throw  himself  at  the  fair  widow's  feet, 
and  claim  her  promise  upon  his  return.  He  did  so,  how- 
ever, and  then  proceeded  to  the  house  in  Castle  Street. 

His  heart  beat  rapidly  as  he  knocked  at  the  door,  and  he 
awaited  the  opening  with  impatience.  At  last  it  was 
opened,  but  not  by  the  widow's  servant.  "Is  Mrs 
Malcolm  at  home  ? "  inquired  Vanslyperken. 

**  Malcolm,  sir  !  "  replied  the  woman  ;  "  do  you  mean 
the  lady  who  was  living  here,  and  left  yesterday  ? " 

**  Left  yesterday  !  "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken,  hardly  able 
to  stand  on  his  feet. 

"  Yes,  only  yesterday  afternoon.  Went  away  with  a 
gentleman." 

"  A  gentleman  ! "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken,  all  amaze- 
ment. 

**Yes,  sir;  pray,  sir,  be  you  the  officer  of  the  king's 
cutter  ? " 

**  I  am  !  "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken,  leaning  against  the 
door-jamb  for  support. 

"  Then,  sir,  here  be  a  letter  for  you."  So  saying,  the 
woman  pulled  up  her  dirty  apron,  then  her  gown,  and  at 
s  M 


178  Snarleyyow;  or, 

last  arrived  at  a  queer  fustian  pocket,  out  of  which  she 
produced  the  missive,  which  had  been  jumbled  in  company 
with  a  bit  of  wax,  a  ball  of  blue  worsted,  some  halfpence, 
a  copper  thimble,  and  a  lump  of  Turkey  rhubarb,  from  all 
of  which  companions  it  had  received  a  variety  of  hues  and 
colours.  Vanslyperken  seized  the  letter  as  soon  as  it  was 
produced,  and  passing  by  the  woman,  went  into  the  dining- 
parlour,  where,  with  feelings  of  anxiety,  he  sat  down, 
brushed  the  perspiration  from  his  forehead,  and  read  as 
follows  : 

**  My  dear  J  dear,  ever  dear  Mr  Vanslyperken, 
"  Pity  me,  pity  me,  O  pity  me  !  Alas  !  how  soon  is  the 
cup  of  bliss  dashed  from  the  lips  of  us  poor  mortals.  I 
can  hardly  write,  hardly  hold  my  pen,  or  hold  my  head  up. 
I  cannot  bear  that,  from  my  hand,  you  should  be  informed 
of  the  utter  blight  of  all  our  hopes  which  blossomed  so 
fully.  Alas  !  alas  !  but  it  must  be.  O  my  head,  my  poor, 
poor  head — how  it  swims !  I  was  sitting  at  the  fireside, 
thinking  when  you  would  return,  and  trying  to  find  out  if 
the  wind  was  fair,  when  I  heard  a  knock  at  the  door.  It 
was  so  like  yours,  that  my  heart  beat,  and  I  ran  to  the 
window,  but  I  could  not  see  who  it  was,  so  I  sat  down 
again.  Imagine  my  surprise,  my  horror,  my  vexation,  my 
distress,  my  agony,  when  who  should  come  in  but  my 
supposed  dead  husband !  I  thought  I  should  have  died 
when  I  saw  him.  I  dropped  as  it  was,  down  into  a  swoon, 
and  when  I  came  to  my  senses,  there  he  was  hanging  over 
me ;  thinking,  poor  fool,  that  I  had  swooned  for  joy,  and 
kissing  me — pah !  yes,  kissing  me.  O  dear !  O  dear ! 
My  dear  Mr  Vanslyperken,  I  thought  of  you,  and  what 
your  feelings  would  be,  when  you  know  all  this;  but 
there  he  was  alive,  and  in  good  health,  and  now  I  have 
nothing  more  to  do  but  to  lie  down  and  die. 

"  It  appears  that  in  my  ravings  I  called  upon  you  over 
and  over  again,  and  discovered  the  real  state  of  my  poor 
bleeding  heart,  and  he  was  very  angry:  he  packed  up 
everything,  and  he  insisted  upon  my  leaving  Portsmouth. 


The  Dog  Fiend  179 

Alas  !  I  shall  be  buried  in  the  north,  and  never  see  you 
again.  But  why  should  I,  my  dear  Mr  Vanslyperken  ? 
what  good  will  come  of  it  ?  I  am  a  virtuous  woman,  and 
will  be  so  :  but,  O  dear  !  I  can  write  no  more. 

"  Farewell,  then,  farewell !  Farewell  for  ever  !  Dear 
Mr  Vanslyperken,  think  no  more  of  your  disconsolate, 
unhappy,  heart-broken,  miserable 

**  Ann  Malcolm. 

"P.5. — For  my  sake  you  will  adhere  to  the  good 
cause  ;  I  know  you  will,  my  dearest." 

Mr  Vanslyperken  perused  this  heart-rending  epistle, 
and  fell  back  on  his  chair  almost  suffocated.  The  woman, 
who  had  stood  in  the  passage  while  he  read  the  letter, 
came  to  his  assistance,  and  pouring  some  water  into  his 
mouth,  and  throwing  a  portion  of  it  over  his  face,  partially 
revived  him.  Vanslyperken's  head  fell  on  the  table  upon 
his  hands,  and  for  some  minutes  remained  in  that  position. 
He  then  rose,  folded  the  letter,  put  it  in  his  pocket,  and 
staggered  out  of  the  house  without  saying  a  word. 

O  Nancy  Corbett !  Nancy  Corbett !  this  was  all  your 
doing. 

You  had  gained  your  point  in  winning  over  the  poor 
man  to  commit  treason — you  had  waited  till  he  was  so 
entangled  that  he  could  not  escape,  or  in  future  refuse 
to  obey  the  orders  of  the  Jacobite  party — you  had  seduced 
him,  Nancy  Corbett — you  had  intoxicated  him — in  short, 
Nancy,  you  had  ruined  him,  and  then  you  threw  him 
over  by  this  insidious  and  perfidious  letter. 

Vanslyperken  walked  away,  he  hardly  knew  whither 
— his  mind  was  a  chaos.  It  did  so  happen,  that  he  took 
the  direction  of  his  mother's  house,  and,  as  he  gradually 
recovered  himself,  he  hastened  there  to  give  vent  to  his 
feelings.  The  old  woman  seldom  or  ever  went  out ;  if 
she  did,  it  was  in  the  dusk,  to  purchase  in  one  half-hour 
enough  to  support  existence  for  a  fortnight. 

She  was  at  home  with  her  door  locked,  as  usual,  when 
he  demanded  admittance. 


j8o  Snarleyyow;  or, 

**  Come  in,  child,  come  in,"  said  the  old  beldame,  as 
with  palsied  hands  she  undid  the  fastenings.  "  I  dreamt 
of  you,  last  night,  Cornelius,  and  when  I  dream  of  others 
it  bodes  them  no  good." 

Vanslyperken  sat  down  on  a  chest,  without  giving  any 
answer.  He  put  his  hand  up  to  his  forehead,  and  groaned 
in  the  bitterness  of  his  spirit. 

"  Ah  !  ah  !  "  said  his  mother  **  I  have  put  my  hand 
up  in  that  way  in  my  time.  Yes,  yes — when  my  brain 
burned — when  I  had  done  the  deed.  What  have  you 
done,  my  child  ?  Pour  out  your  feelings  into  your 
mother's  bosom.  Tell  me  all — tell  me  why — and  tell 
me,  did  you  get  any  money  ?  " 

"  I  have  lost  everything,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  in  a 
melancholy  tone. 

"  Lost  everything  !  then  you  must  begin  over  again, 
and  take  from  others  till  you  have  recovered  all.  That's 
the  way — I'll  have  more  yet,  before  I  die.  I  shall  not 
die  yet — no,  no." 

Vanslyperken  remained  silent  for  some  time.  He  then,, 
as  usual,  imparted  to  his  mother  all  that  had  occurred. 

"Well,  well,  my  child;  but  there  is  the  other  one. 
Gold  is  gold,  one  wife  is  as  good — to  neglect — as  another. 
My  child,  never  marry  a  woman  for  love — she  will  make  a 
fool  of  you.  You  have  had  a  lucky  escape — I  see  you 
have,  Cornelius.  But  where  is  the  gold  you  said  you  took 
for  turning  traitor — where  is  it  ? " 

"  I  shall  bring  it  on  shore  to-morrow,  mother." 

"Do,  child,  do.  They  may  find  you  out — they  may 
hang  you — but  they  shall  never  wrest  the  gold  from  me. 
It  will  be  safe — quite  safe,  with  me,  as  long  as  I  live.  I 
shall  not  die  yet — no,  no." 

Vanslyperken  rose  to  depart;  he  was  anxious  to  be 
aboard. 

"  Go,  child,  go.  I  have  hopes  of  you — you  have 
murdered,  have  you  not  ? " 

"  No,  no,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  "  he  lives  yet." 

**  Then  try  again.     At  all  events,  you  have  wished  to 


The  Dog  Fiend  i8i 

murder,  and  you  have  sold  your  country  for  gold. 
Cornelius  Vanslyperken,  by  the  hatred  I  bear  the  whole 
world,  I  feel  that  I  almost  love  you  now ; — I  see  you  are 
my  own  child.  Now  go,  and  mind  to-morrow  you  bring 
the  gold." 

Vanslyperken  quitted  the  house,  and  walked  down  to 
go  on  board  again ;  the  loss  of  the  fair  widow,  all  his 
hopes  dashed  at  once  to  the  ground,  his  having  neglected 
the  widow  Vandersloosh  and  sent  her  an  insulting  message, 
had  only  the  effect  of  raising  his  bile.  He  vowed  venge- 
ance against  everybody  and  everything,  especially  against 
Smallbones,  whom  he  was  determined  he  would  sacrifice ; 
murder  now  was  no  longer  horrible  to  his  ideas ;  on  the 
contrary,  there  was  a  pleasure  in  meditating  upon  it,  and 
the  loss  of  the  expected  fortune  of  the  fair  Mrs  Malcolm 
only  made  him  more  eager  to  obtain  gold,  and  he  con- 
templated treason  as  the  means  of  so  doing  without  any 
feelings  of  compunction. 

On  his  arrival  on  board,  he  found  an  order  from  the 
Admiralty  to  discharge  James  Salisbury.  This  added  to 
his  choler  and  his  meditations  of  revenge.  Jemmy  Ducks 
had  not  been  forgotten ;  and  he  determined  not  to  make 
known  the  order  until  he  had  punished  him  for  his 
mutinous  expressions ;  but  Moggy  had  come  on  board 
during  his  absence,  and  delivered  to  her  husband  the  letter 
from  the  Admiralty  notifying  his  discharge.  Vansly- 
perken sent  for  Corporal  Van  Spitter  to  consult,  but  the 
corporal  informed  him  that  Jemmy  Ducks  knew  of  his 
discharge.  Vanslyperken's  anger  was  now  without  bounds. 
He  hastened  on  deck,  and  ordered  the  hands  to  be  turned 
up  for  punishment,  but  Corporal  Van  Spitter  hastened  to 
give  warning  to  Jemmy,  who  did  not  pipe  the  hands  when 
ordered. 

"  Where  is  that  scoundrel,  James  Salisbury  ? "  cried 
Vanslyperken. 

**  Here  is  James  Salisbury,"  replied  Jemmy,  coming 
aft. 

"  Turn  the  hands  up  for  punishment,  sir." 


1 82  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"  I  don't  belong  to  the  vessel,"  replied  Jemmy,  going 
forward. 

**  Corporal  Van  Spitter  —  where  is  Corporal  Van 
Spitter  ? " 

"  Here,  sir,"  said  the  corporal,  coming  up  the  hatchway 
in  a  pretended  bustle. 

"Bring  that  man,  Salisbury,  aft." 

"  Yes,  sir,"  replied  the  corporal,  going  forward  with 
assumed  eagerness. 

But  all  the  ship's  company  had  resolved  that  this  act  of 
injustice  should  not  be  done.  Salisbury  was  no  longer  in 
the  service,  and  although  they  knew  the  corporal  to  be  on 
their  side,  they  surrounded  Jemmy  on  the  forecastle,  and 
the  corporal  came  aft,  declaring  that  he  could  not  get  near 
the  prisoner.  As  he  made  this  report  a  loud  female  voice 
was  heard  alongside. 

"  So,  you'd  flog  my  Jemmy,  would  you,  you  varmint  ? 
But  you  won't  though ;  he's  not  in  the  service,  and  you 
sha'n't  touch  him;  but  I'll  tell  you  what,  keep  yourself 
on  board,  Mr  Leeftenant,  for  if  I  cotches  you  on  shore, 
I'll  make  you  sing  in  a  way  you  don't  think  on.  Yes, 
flog  my  Jemmy,  my  dear  darling  duck  of  a  Jemmy — stop 
a  minute — I'm  coming  aboard." 

Suiting  the  action  to  the  word,  for  the  sailors  had 
beckoned  to  Moggy  to  come  on  board,  she  boldly  pulled 
alongside,  and  skipping  over,  she  went  up  direct  to  Mr 
Vanslyperken.  "  I'll  just  trouble  you  for  my  husband, 
and  no  mistake,"  cried  Moggy. 

"  Corporal  Van  Spitter,  turn  that  woman  out  of  the 
ship." 

"  Turn  me,  a  lawful  married  woman,  who  comes  arter 
my  own  husband  with  the  orders  of  your  masters,  Mr 
Leeftenant ! — I'd  like  to  see  the  man.  I  axes  you  for  my 
Jemmy,  and  I'll  trouble  you  just  to  hand  him  here — if 
not,  look  out  for  squalls,  that's  all.  I  demand  my  husband 
in  the  king's  name,  so  just  hand  him  over,"  continued 
Moggy,  putting  her  nose  so  close  to  that  of  Mr  Vansly- 
perken that   they  nearly  touched,  and  then  after  a  few 


The  Dog  Fiend  183 

seconds'  pause,  for  Vanslyperken  could  not  speak  for  rage, 
she  added,  "Well,  you're  a  nice  leeftenant,  I  don't  think." 

"  Send  for  your  marines,  Corporal  Van  Spitter." 

"  I  have.  Mynheer  Vanslyperken,"  replied  the  corporal, 
standing  erect  and  saluting;  "and  if  you  please,  sir, 
they  have  joined  the  ship's  company.  You  and  I,  mynheer, 
are  left  to  ourselves." 

**  I'll  just  trouble  you  for  my  little  duck  of  a  husband," 
repeated  Moggy.  Vanslyperken  was  at  a  nonplus.  The 
crew  were  in  a  state  of  mutiny,  the  marines  had  joined 
them — what  could  he  do.?  To  appeal  to  the  higher 
authorities  would  be  committing  himself,  for  he  knew 
that  he  could  not  flog  a  man  who  no  longer  belonged  to 
the  vessel. 

**I  wants  my  husband,"  repeated  Moggy,  putting  her 
arms  a-kimbo. 

Mr  Vanslyperken  made  no  reply.  The  corporal  waited 
for  orders,  and  Moggy  waited  for  her  husband. 

Just  at  this  moment,  Snarleyyow,  who  had  followed  his 
master  on  deck,  had  climbed  up  the  small  ladder,  and 
was  looking  over  the  gunnel  on  the  side  where  the  boat 
lay  in  which  Moggy  came  on  board.  Perceiving  this, 
with  the  quickness  of  thought  she  ran  at  the  dog  and 
pushed  him  over  the  side  into  the  boat,  in  which  he  fell 
with  a  heavy  bound ;  she  then  descended  the  side,  ordered 
the  man  to  shove  off,  and  kept  at  a  short  distance  from 
the  cutter  with  the  dog  in  her  possession. 

"Now,  now,"  cried  Moggy,  slapping  her  elbow, 
"hav'n't  I  got  the  dog,  and  won't  I  cut  him  up  into 
sassingers  and  eat  him  in  the  bargain,  if  you  won't  give 
me  my  dear  darling  Jemmy  and  all  his  papers  in  the 
bargain  ? " 

"  Man  the  boat,"  cried  Vanslyperken.  But  no  one 
would  obey  the  order. 

"  Look  here,"  cried  Moggy,  flourishing  a  knife  which 
she  had  borrowed  from  the  man  in  the  boat.  "  This  is 
for  the  cur;  and  unless  you  let  my  Jemmy  go,  ay  and 
directly  too " 


184  Snarleyyow;  or, 

'*  Mercy,  woman  !  "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken,  "Do  not 
harm  the  poor  dog,  and  your  husband  shall  go  on  shore." 

"  With  his  papers  all  ready  to  receive  his  pay  ? " 
inquired  Moggy. 

"  Yes,  with  his  papers  and  everything,  if  you'll  not 
harm  the  poor  beast." 

"Be  quick  about  them,  for  my  fingers  are  itching,  I 
can  tell  you,"  replied  Moggy.  "  Recollect,  I  will  have 
my  Jemmy,  and  cut  the  dog's  throat  in  the  bargain  if  you 
don't  look  sharp." 

"  Directly,  good  woman,  directly,"  cried  Vanslyperken, 
"be  patient." 

"  Good  woman !  no  more  a  good  woman  than  yourself," 
replied  Moggy. 

Vanslyperken  desired  the  corporal  to  see  Jemmy  Ducks 
in  the  boat,  and  went  down  into  the  cabin  to  sign  his 
pay  order.  He  then  returned,  for  he  was  dreadfully 
alarmed  lest  Moggy  should  put  her  threats  in  execution. 

Jemmy's  chest  and  hammocks  were  in  the  boat.  He 
shook  hands  with  his  shipmates,  and  receiving  the  papers 
and  his  discharge  from  Corporal  Van  Spitter,  and  ex- 
changing an  intelligent  glance  with  him,  he  went  down 
the  side.  The  boat  pulled  round  the  stern  to  take  in 
Moggy,  who  then  ordered  the  waterman  to  put  the  dog 
on  board  again. 

"  My  word's  as  good  as  my  bond,"  observed  Moggy, 
as  she  stepped  into  the  other  boat,  "  and  so  there's  your 
cur  again,  Mr  Leeftenant ;  but  mark  my  words :  I  owe 
you  one,  and  I'll  pay  you  with  interest  before  I  have 
done  with  you." 

Jemmy  then  raised  his  pipe  to  his  lips,  and  sounded 
its  loudest  note :  the  men  gave  him  three  cheers,  and 
Mr  Vanslyperken  in  a  paroxysm  of  fury,  ran  down  into 
his  cabin. 


The  Dog  Fiend  185 


Chapter  XXV 

In  which  Mr  Vanslyperken  proves  that  he  has  a  great  aversion  to  cold 

steel. 

Mr  Vanslyperken  had  been  so  much  upset  by  the  events 
of  the  day,  that  he  had  quite  forgotten  to  deliver  the 
letters  entrusted  to  him  to  the  care  of  the  Jew  Lazarus ; 
weighty  indeed  must  have  been  the  events  which  could 
have  prevented  him  from  going  to  receive  money. 

He  threw  himself  on  his  bed  with  combined  feelings 
of  rage  and  mortification,  and  slept  a  feverish  sleep  in  his 
clothes. 

His  dreams  were  terrifying,  and  he  awoke  in  the 
morning  unrefreshed.  The  mutiny  and  defection  of  the 
ship's  company,  he  ascribed  entirely  to  the  machinations 
of  Smallbones,  whom  he  now  hated  with  a  feeling  so 
intense,  that  he  felt  he  could  have  murdered  him  in  the 
open  day.  Such  were  the  first  impulses  that  his  mind 
resorted  to  upon  his  awaking,  and  after  some  little 
demur,  he  sent  for  Corporal  Van  Spitter,  to  consult  with 
him.  The  corporal  made  his  appearance,  all  humility 
and  respect,  and  was  again  sounded  as  to  what  could  be 
done  with  Smallbones,  Vanslyperken  hinting  very  clearly 
what  his  wishes  tended  to. 

Corporal  Van  Spitter,  who  had  made  up  his  mind  how 
to  act  after  their  previous  conference,  hummed  and  ha'ed, 
and  appeared  unwilling  to  enter  upon  the  subject,  until 
he  was  pushed  by  his  commandant,  when  the  corporal 
observed  there  was  something  very  strange  about  the  lad, 
and  hinted  at  his  being  sent  in  the  cutter  on  purpose  to 
annoy  his  superior. 

"  That  on  that  night  upon  which  he  had  stated  that  he 
had  seen  the  devil  three  times,  once  it  was  sitting  on  the 
head-clue  of  Smallbones'  hammock,  and  at  another  time 
that  he  was  evidently  in  converse  with  the  lad,  and  that 
there  were  strange  stories  among  the  ship's  company,  who 


1 86  Snarleyyow;  or, 

considered  that  both  Smallbones  and  the  dog  were  super- 
natural agents." 

"  My  dog  —  Snarleyyow  —  a  —  what  do  you  mean, 
corporal  ? " 

The  corporal  then  told  Mr  Vanslyperken  that  he  had 
discovered  that  several  attempts  had  been  made  to  drown 
the  dog,  but  without  success ;  and  that  among  the  rest, 
he  had  been  thrown  by  Smallbones  into  the  canal,  tied  up 
in  a  bread-bag,  and  had  miraculously  made  his  appearance 
again. 

"  The  villain  !  "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken.  "  That  then 
was  the  paving-stone.  Now  Fve  found  it  out,  I'll  cut  his 
very  soul  out  of  his  body." 

But  the  corporal  protested  against  open  measures,  as, 
although  it  was  known  by  his  own  confession  to  be  the 
case,  it  could  not  be  proved,  as  none  of  the  men  would 
tell. 

"Besides,  he  did  not  think  that  any  further  attempts 
would  be  made,  as  Smallbones  had  been  heard  to  laugh 
and  say,  *  that  water  would  never  hurt  him  or  the  dog,' 
which  observation  of  the  lad's  had  first  made  the  ship's 
company  suspect." 

**  Very  true,"  exclaimed  Vanslyperken  ;  **  he  floated  out 

to  the  Nab  buoy  and  back  again,  when  I "     Here  Mr 

Vanslyperken  stopped  short,  and  he  felt  a  dread  of  super- 
natural powers  in  the  lad,  when  he  thought  of  what  had 
passed  and  what  he  now  heard. 

"  So  they  think  my  dog " 

**  De  tyfel,"  replied  the  corporal. 

Vanslyperken  was  not  very  sorry  for  this,  as  it  would 
be  the  dog's  protection;  but  at  the  same  time  he  was 
not  at  all  easy  about  Smallbones ;  for  Mr  Vanslyperken, 
as  we  have  observed  before,  was  both  superstitious  and 
cowardly. 

"  Water  won't  hurt  him,  did  you  say,  corporal  ?  " 

"  Yes,  mynheer." 

**  Then  I'll  try  what  a  pistol  will  do,  by  heavens ! " 
replied  Vanslyperken.      "  He    threw   my   dog   into   the 


The  Dog  Fiend  187 

canal,  and  Til  be  revenged,  if  revenge  is  to  be  had. 
That  will  do,  corporal,  you  may  go  now,"  continued 
Vanslyperken,  who  actually  foamed  with  rage. 

The  corporal  left  the  cabin,  and  it  having  occurred 
to  Vanslyperken  that  he  had  not  delivered  the  letters, 
he  dressed  himself  to  go  on  shore. 

After  having  once  more  read  through  the  letter  of  the 
fair  widow,  which,  at  the  same  time  that  it  crushed  all 
his  hopes,  from  its  kind  tenour,  poured  some  balm  into 
his  wounded  heart,  he  sighed,  folded  it  up,  put  it  away, 
and  went  on  deck. 

"  Pipe  the  gig  away,"  said  Mr  Vanslyperken. 

"  No  pipe,"  replied  Short. 

This  reminded  Mr  Vanslyperken  that  Jemmy  Ducks 
had  left  the  ship,  and  vexed  him  again.  He  ordered  the 
word  to  be  passed  to  the  boat's  crew,  and  when  it  was 
manned  he  went  on  shore.  As  soon  as  he  arrived  at  the 
house  of  Lazarus,  he  knocked,  but  it  was  some  time 
before  he  was  admitted,  and  the  chain  was  still  kept  on 
the  door,  which  was  opened  two  inches  to  allow  a  scrutiny 
previous  to  entrance. 

"  Ah !  it  vash  you,  vash  it,  good  sar  ?  you  may  come 
in,"  said  the  Jew. 

Vanslyperken  walked  into  the  parlour,  where  he  found 
seated  a  young  man  of  very  handsome  exterior,  dressed 
according  to  the  fashion  of  the  cavaliers  of  the  time. 
His  hat,  with  a  plume  of  black  feathers,  lay  upon  the 
table.  This  personage  continued  in  his  careless  and 
easy  position  without  rising  when  Vanslyperken  entered, 
neither  did  he  ask  him  to  sit  down. 

"  You  are  the  officer  of  the  cutter  ? "  inquired  the 
young  man,  with  an  air  of  authority  not  very  pleasing 
to  the  lieutenant. 

**  Yes,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  looking  hard  and  indig- 
nantly in  return. 

*' And  you  arrived  yesterday  morning  ?  Pray,  sir,  why 
were  not  those  letters  delivered  at  once  ? " 

"  Because  I  had  no  time,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  sulkily. 


1 88  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"  No  time,  sir  ♦,  what  do  you  mean  by  that  ?  Your 
time  is  ours,  sir.  You  are  paid  for  it  j  for  one  shilling 
that  you  receive  from  the  rascally  government  you  con- 
descend to  serve  and  to  betray,  you  receive  from  us 
pounds.  Let  not  this  happen  again,  my  sir,  or  you  may 
repent  it." 

Vanslyperken  was  not  in  the  best  of  humours,  and  he 
angrily  replied,  "Then  you  may  get  others  to  do  your 
work,  for  this  is  the  last  I'll  do  j  pay  me  for  them,  and  let 
me  go." 

**  The  last  you'll  do  ;  you'll  do  as  much  as  we  please, 
and  as  long  as  we  please.  You  are  doubly  in  our  power, 
scoundrel !  You  betray  the  government  you  serve,  but 
you  shall  not  betray  us.  If  you  had  a  thousand  lives,  you 
are  a  dead  man  the  very  moment  you  flinch  from  or  neglect 
our  work.  Do  your  work  faithfully,  and  you  will  be 
rewarded  ;  but  either  you  must  do  our  work  or  die.  You 
have  but  to  choose." 

**  Indeed  !  "  replied  Vanslyperken. 

**  Yes,  indeed  !  And  to  prove  that  I  am  in  earnest,  I 
shall  punish  you  for  your  neglect,  by  not  paying  you  this 
time.  You  may  Jeave  the  letters  and  go.  But  mind  that 
you  give  us  timely  notice  when  you  are  ordered  back  to 
the  Hague,  for  we  shall  want  you." 

Vanslyperken,  indignant  at  this  language,  obeyed  his 
flrst  impulse,  which  was  to  snatch  up  the  letters  and 
attempt  to  leave  the  room. 

**  No  pay,  no  letters  !  "  exclaimed  he,  opening  the  door. 

"  Fool !  "  cried  the  young  man  with  a  bitter  sneer,  not 
stirring  from  his  seat. 

Vanslyperken  opened  the  door,  and  to  his  amazement 
there  were  three  swords  pointed  to  his  heart.  He  started 
back. 

**Will  you  leave  the  letters  now  .?'^  observed  the  young 
man. 

Vanslyperken  threw  them  down  on  the  table  with  every 
sign  of  perturbation,  and  remained  silent  and  pale. 

"  And  now  perfectly  understand  me,  sir,"  said  the  young 


The  Dog  Fiend  189 

cavalier.  "We  make  a  great  distinction  between  those 
who  have  joined  the  good  cause,  or  rather,  who  have 
continued  steadfast  to  their  king  from  feelings  of  honour 
and  loyalty,  and  those  who  are  to  be  bought  and  sold. 
We  honour  the  first,  we  despise  the  latter.  Their  services 
we  require,  and  therefore  we  employ  them.  A  traitor  to 
the  sovereign  from  whom  he  receives  his  pay,  is  not  likely 
to  be  trusted  by  us.  I  know  your  character,  that  is  suffi- 
cient. Now,  although  the  government  make  no  difference 
between  one  party  or  the  other,  with  the  exception  that 
some  may  be  honoured  with  the  axe  instead  of  the  gibbet, 
you  will  observe  what  we  do  :  and  as  our  lives  are  already 
forfeited  by  attainder,  we  make  no  scruple  of  putting  out 
of  the  way  any  one  whom  we  may  even  suspect  of  betray- 
ing us.  Nay,  more  ;  we  can  furnish  the  government  with 
sufficient  proofs  against  you  without  any  risk  to  ourselves, 
for  we  have  many  partisans  who  are  still  in  office.  Weigh 
now  well  all  you  have  heard,  and  be  assured,  that  although 
we  despise  you,  and  use  you  only  as  our  tool,  we  will  have 
faithful  and  diligent  service  ;  if  not,  your  life  is  forfeited." 

Vanslyperken  heard  all  this  with  amazement  and  con- 
fusion :  he  immediately  perceived  that  he  was  in  a  snare, 
from  which  escape  was  impossible.  His  coward  heart  sank 
within  him,  and  he  promised  implicit  obedience. 

"Nevertheless,  before  you  go  you  will  sign  your  ad- 
herence to  King  James  and  his  successors,"  observed  the 
young  cavalier.  "Lazarus,  bring  in  writing  materials." 
The  Jew,  who  was  at  the  door,  complied  with  the  order. 

The  cavalier  took  the  pen  and  wrote  down  a  certain 
form,  in  which  Vanslyperken  dedicated  his  life  and  means, 
as  he  valued  his  salvation,  to  the  service  of  the  exiled 
monarch.  "  Read  that,  and  sign  it,  sir,"  said  the  cavalier, 
passing  it  over  to  Vanslyperken. 

The  lieutenant  hesitated.  "  Your  life  depends  upon  it," 
continued  the  young  man  coolly ;  "  do  as  you  please." 

Vanslyperken  turned  round ;  the  swords  were  still 
pointed,  and  the  eyes  of  those  which  held  them  were  fixed 
upon  the  cavalier  awaiting  his  orders.     Vanslyperken  per- 


190  Snarleyyow;  or, 

ceived  that  there  was  no  escape.  With  a  trembling  hand 
he  affixed  his  signature. 

**'Tis  well: — now,  observe,  that  at  the  first  suspicion, 
or  want  of  zeal,  even,  on  your  part,  this  will  be  forwarded 
through  the  proper  channel,  and  even  if  you  should  escape 
the  government,  you  will  not  escape  us : — our  name  is 
Legion.  You  may  go,  sir ; — do  your  work  well,  and  you 
shall  be  well  rewarded." 

Vanslyperken  hastened  away,  passing  the  swords,  the 
points  of  which  were  now  lowered  for  his  passage.  Per- 
haps he  never  till  then  felt  how  contemptible  was  a  traitor. 
Indignant,  mortified,  and  confused,  still  trembling  with 
fear,  and,  at  the  same  time,  burning  with  rage,  he  hastened 
to  his  mother's  house,  for  he  had  brought  on  shore  with 
him  the  money  which  he  had  received  at  Amsterdam. 

"What,  more  vexation,  child?"  said  the  old  woman, 
looking  Vanslyperken  in  the  face  as  he  entered. 

**  Yes,"  retorted  Vanslyperken,  folding  his  arms  as  he 
sat  down. 

It  was  some  time  before  he  would  communicate  to  his 
mother  all  that  happened.  At  last  the  truth,  which  even 
he  felt  ashamed  of,  was  drawn  out  of  him. 

"  Now  may  all  the  curses  that  ever  befell  a  man  fall  on 
his  head  ! "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken  as  he  finished.  "  I 
would  give  soul  and  body  to  be  revenged  on  him." 

"  That's  my  own  child — that  is  what  I  have  done, 
Cornelius,  but  I  shall  not  die  yet  awhile.  I  like  to  hear 
you  say  that ;  but  it  must  not  be  yet.  Let  them  plot  and 
plot,  and  when  they  think  that  all  is  ripe,  and  all  is  ready, 
and  all  will  succeed — then — then  is  the  time  to  revenge 
yourself — not  yet — but  for  that  revenge,  death  on  the 
gallows  would  be  sweet." 

Vanslyperken  shuddered : — he  did  not  feel  how  death 
could  in  any  way  be  sweet  j — for  some  time  he  was  wrapped 
up  in  his  own  thoughts. 

"  Have  you  brought  the  gold  at  last  ? "  inquired  the  old 
woman. 

"  I   have,"   replied   Vanslyperken,  who   raised  himself 


The  Dog  Fiend  191 

and  produced  it.  "I  ought  to  have  had  more, — but  I'll 
be  revenged." 

"  Yes,  yes,  but  get  more  gold  first.  Never  kill  the 
goose  that  lays  the  golden  egg^  my  child,"  replied  the  old 
woman,  as  she  turned  the  key. 

So  many  sudden  and  mortifying  occurrences  had  taken 
place  in  forty-eight  hours  that  Vanslyperken's  brain  was  in 
a  whirl.  He  felt  goaded  to  do  something,  but  he  did  not 
know  what.  Perhaps  it  would  have  been  suicide  had  he 
not  been  a  coward.  He  left  his  mother  without  speaking 
another  word,  and  walked  down  to  the  boat,  revolving 
first  one  and  then  another  incident  in  his  mind.  At  last, 
his  ideas  appeared  to  concentrate  themselves  into  one  point, 
which  was  a  firm  and  raging  animosity  against  Smallbones ; 
and  with  the  darkest  intentions  he  hastened  on  board  and 
went  down  into  his  cabin. 

What  was  the  result  of  these  feelings  will  be  seen  in  the 
ensuing  chapter. 


Chapter    XXVI 

In  which  Mr  Vanslyperken  sees  a  ghost. 

Before  we  acquaint  the  reader  with  the  movements  of 
Mr  Vanslyperken,  we  must  again  revert  to  the  history  of 
the  period  in  which  we  are  writing.  The  Jacobite  faction 
had  assumed  a  formidable  consistency,  and  every  exertion 
was  being  made  by  them  for  an  invasion  of  England. 
They  knew  that  their  friends  were  numerous,  and  that 
many  who  held  office  under  the  ruling  government  were 
attached  to  their  cause,  and  only  required  such  a  demon- 
stration to  fly  to  arms  with  their  numerous  partisans. 

Up  to  the  present,  all  the  machinations  of  the  Jacobites 
had  been  carried  on  with  secrecy  and  dexterity,  but  now 
was  the  time  for  action  and  decision.  To  aid  the  cause, 
it  was  considered  expedient  that  some  one  of  known 
fidelity  should   be  sent   to  Amsterdam,  where  the  pro- 


192  Snarleyyow;  or, 

jects  of  William  might  be  discovered  more  easily  than 
in  England:  for,  as  he  communicated  with  the  States 
General,  and  the  States  General  were  composed  of  many, 
secrets  would  come  out,  for  that  which  is  known  to  many 
soon  becomes  no  longer  a  secret. 

To  effect  this,  letters  of  recommendation  to  one  or  two 
of  those  high  in  office  in  Holland,  and  who  were  supposed 
to  be  able  to  give  information,  and  inclined  to  be  confiding 
and  garrulous,  had  been  procured  from  the  firm  allies  of 
King  William,  by  those  who  pretended  to  be  so  only,  for 
the  agent  who  was  about  to  be  sent  over,  and  this  agent 
was  the  young  cavalier  who  had  treated  Vanslyperken  in 
so  uncourteous  a  manner.  He  has  already  been  mentioned 
to  the  reader  by  the  name  of  Ramsay,  and  second  in 
authority  among  the  smugglers.  He  was  a  young  man  of 
high  family,  and  a  brother  to  Lady  Alice,  of  course  trusted 
by  Sir  Robert  and  his  second  in  command.  He  had  been 
attainted  for  non-appearance,  and  condemned  for  high 
treason  at  the  same  time  as  had  been  his  brother-in-law, 
Sir  Robert  Barclay,  and  had  ever  since  been  with  him 
doing  his  duty  in  the  boat  and  in  command  of  the  men, 
when  Sir  Robert's  services  or  attendance  were  required  at 
St  Germains. 

No  one  could  be  better  adapted  for  the  service  he  was 
to  be  employed  upon.  He  was  brave,  cool,  intelligent, 
and  prepossessing.  Of  course,  by  his  letters  of  intro- 
duction, he  was  represented  as  a  firm  ally  of  King  William, 
and  strongly  recommended  as  such.  The  letters  which 
Vanslyperken  had  neglected  to  deliver  were  of  the  utmost 
importance,  and  the  character  of  the  lieutenant  being  well 
known  to  Ramsay,  through  the  medium  of  Nancy  Corbett 
and  others,  he  had  treated  him  in  the  way  which  he  con- 
sidered as  most  likely  to  enforce  a  rigid  compliance  with 
their  wishes. 

Ramsay  was  right ;  for  Vanslyperken  was  too  much 
of  a  coward  to  venture  upon  resistance,  although  he  might 
threaten  it.  It  was  the  intention  of  Ramsay,  moreover, 
to  take  a  passage  over  with  him  in  the  Tungfrauy  as  his 


The  Dog  Fiend  193 

arrival  in  a   king's  vessel  would   add   still  more  to   the 
success  of  the  enterprise  which  he  had  in  contemplation. 

We  will  now  return  to  Mr  Vanslyperken,  whom  we 
left  boiling  with  indignation.  He  is  not  in  a  better 
humour  at  this  moment.  He  requires  a  victim  to  expend 
his  wrath  upon,  and  that  victim  he  is  resolved  shall  be 
Smallbones,  upon  whom  his  hate  is  concentrated. 

He  has  sent  for  the  corporal,  and  next  ordered  him  to 
bring  him  a  pistol  and  cartridge,  which  the  corporal  has 
complied  with.  Vanslyperken  has  not  made  the  corporal 
a  further  confidant,  but  he  has  his  suspicions,  and  he  is  on 
the  watch.  Vanslyperken  is  alone,  his  hand  trembling  as 
he  loads  the  pistol  which  he  has  taken  down  from  the 
bulkhead  where  it  hung,  but  he  is  nevertheless  determined 
upon  the  act.  He  has  laid  it  down  on  the  table,  and  goes 
on  deck,  waiting  till  it  is  dusk  for  the  completion  of  his 
project.  He  has  now  arranged  his  plan  and  descends  ; 
the  pistol  is  still  on '.the  table,  and  he  puts  it  under  the 
blanket  on  his  bed,  and  rings  for  Smallbones. 

"  Did  you  want  me,  sir  ?  "  said  Smallbones. 

**  Yes,  I  am  going  on  shore  to  sleep  a  little  way  in 
the  country,  and  I  want  you  to  carry  my  clothes  ;  let 
everything  be  put  up  in  the  blue  bag,  and  hold  yourself 
ready  to  come  with  me." 

"  Yes,  sir,"  replied  Smallbones  j  "am  I  to  come  on 
board  again  to-night  ? " 

"  To  be  sure  you  are." 

Smallbones  put  up  as  desired  by  his  master,  whose 
eyes  followed  the  lad's  motions  as  he  moved  from  one 
part  of  the  cabin  to  the  other,  his  thoughts  wandering 
from  the  recollection  of  Smallbones  having  attempted  to 
drown  his  dog,  to  the  more  pleasing  one  of  revenge. 

At  dusk,  Mr  Vanslyperken  ordered  his  boat  to  be 
manned,  and  so  soon  as  Smallbones  had  gone  into  it 
"vtith  the  bag,  he  took  the  pistol  from  where  he  had  hid 
it,  and  concealing  it  under  his  great-coat,  followed  the 
laci  into  the  boat. 

They  landed,  and  Vanslyperken  walked   fastj  it  was 
s  N 


194  Snarleyyow;  or, 

now  dark,  and  he  was  followed  by  Smallbones,  who 
found  difficulty  in  keeping  pace  with  his  master,  so  rapid 
were  his  strides. 

They  passed  the  half-way  houses,  and  went  clear  of 
the  fortifications,  until  they  had  gained  five  or  six  miles 
on  the  road  to  London. 

Smallbones  was  tired  out  with  the  rapidity  of  the 
walk,  and  now  lagged  behind.  The  master  desired  him 
to  come  on.  "I  does  come  on  as  fast  as  I  can,  sir,  but 
this  here  walking  don't  suit  at  all,  with  carrying  a  bag 
full  of  clothes,"  replied  Smallbones. 

**  Make  haste,  and  keep  up  with  me,"  cried  Vansly- 
perken,  setting  off  again  at  a  more  rapid  pace. 

They  were  now  past  all  the  buildings,  and  but  oc- 
casionally fell  in  with  some  solitary  farmhouse,  or  cottage, 
on  the  road  side ;  the  night  was  cloudy,  and  the  scud 
flew  fast ;  Vanslyperken  walked  on  faster,  for  in  his  state 
of  mind  he  could  feel  no  bodily  fatigue,  and  the  lad 
dropped  astern. 

At  last  the  lieutenant  found  a  spot  which  afforded  him 
an  opportunity  of  executing  his  fell  purpose.  A  square 
wall,  round  a  homestead  for  cattle,  was  built  on  the  side 
of  the  footpath.  Vanslyperken  turned  round,  and  looked 
for  Smallbones,  who  was  too  far  behind  to  be  seen  in 
the  obscurity.  Satisfied  by  this  that  the  lad  could  not 
see  his  motions,  Vanslyperken  secreted  himself  behind 
the  angle  of  the  wall  so  as  to  allow  Smallbones  to  pass. 
He  cocked  his  pistol,  and  crouched  down,  waiting  for 
the  arrival  of  his  victim. 

In  a  minute  or  two  he  heard  the  panting  of  the  lad, 
who  was  quite  weary  with  his  load.  Vanslyperken  com- 
pressed his  lips,  and  held  his  breath.  The  lad  passed 
him ;  Vanslyperken  now  rose  from  behind,  levelled  the 
pistol  at  the  lad's  head,  and  fired.  Smallbones  uttered 
a  yell,  fell  down  on  his  face,  and  then  rolled  on  his  ba:k 
without  life  or  motion. 

Vanslyperken  looked  at  him  for  one  second,  then  turaed 
back,  and  fled  with  the  wings  of  the  wind.     Conscience 


The  Dog  Fiend  195 

now  appeared  to  pursue  him,  and  he  ran  on  until  he  was 
so  exhausted,  that  he  fell ;  the  pistol  was  still  in  his 
hand,  and  as  he  put  out  his  arm  mechanically  to  save 
himself,  the  lock  of  the  pistol  came  in  violent  contact 
with  his  temple. 

After  a  time  he  rose  again,  faint  and  bleeding,  and  con- 
tinued his  course  at  a  more  moderate  pace,  but  as  the 
wind  blew,  and  whistled  among  the  boughs  of  the  trees, 
he  thought  every  moment  that  he  beheld  the  form  of 
the  murdered  lad.  He  quickened  his  pace,  arrived  at 
last  within  the  fortifications,  and  putting  the  pistol  in 
his  coat-pocket,  he  somewhat  recovered  himself.  He 
bound  his  silk  handkerchief  round  his  head,  and  pro- 
ceeded to  the  boat,  which  he  had  ordered  to  wait  till 
Smallbones'  return.  He  had  then  a  part  to  act,  and 
told  the  men  that  he  had  been  assailed  by  robbers,  and 
ordered  them  to  pull  on  board  immediately.  As  soon  as 
he  came  on  board  he  desired  the  men  to  assist  him  down 
into  his  cabin,  and  then  he  sent  for  Corporal  Van  Spitter 
to  dress  his  wounds.  He  communicated  to  the  corporal, 
that  as  he  was  going  out  in  the  country  as  he  had  pro- 
posed, he  had  been  attacked  by  robbers,  that  he  had  been 
severely  wounded,  and  had,  he  thought,  killed  one  of 
them,  as  the  others  ran  away ;  what  had  become  of 
Smallbones  he  knew  not,  but  he  had  heard  him  crying 
out  in  the  hands  of  the  robbers. 

The  corporal,  who  had  felt  certain  that  the  pistol  had 
been  intended  for  Smallbones,  hardly  knew  what  to  make 
of  the  matter;  the  wound  of  Mr  Vanslyperken  was  severe, 
and  it  was  hardly  to  be  supposed  that  it  had  been  self- 
inflicted.  The  corporal  therefore  held  his  tongue,  heard 
all  that  Mr  Vanslyperken  had  to  say,  and  was  very 
considerably  puzzled. 

**It  was  a  fortunate  thing  that  I  thought  of  taking 
a  pistol  with  me,  corporal,  I  might  have  been  murdered 
outright." 

**  Yes,  mynheer,"  replied  the  corporal,  and  binding  the 
handkerchief  round  Vanslyperken's  head,  he  then  assisted 


196  Snarleyyow;  or, 

him  into  bed.  "  Mein  Gott !  I  make  no  head  or  tail  of 
de  business,"  said  the  corporal,  as  he  walked  forward, 
**  but  I  must  know  de  truth  soon ;  I  not  go  to  bed  for  two 
or  three  hours,  and  den  I  hear  others." 

It  is  needless  to  say  that  Mr  Vanslyperken  passed  a 
restless  night,  not  only  from  the  pain  of  his  wound,  but 
from  the  torments  of  conscience ;  for  it  is  but  by  degrees 
that  the  greatest  villain  can  drive  away  its  stings,  and  then 
it  is  but  for  a  short  time,  and  when  it  does  force  itself 
back  upon  him,  it  is  with  redoubled  power.  His  occasional 
slumbers  were  broken  by  fitful  starts,  in  which  he  again 
and  again  heard  the  yell  of  the  poor  lad,  and  saw  the 
corpse  rolling  at  his  feet.  It  was  about  an  hour  before 
daylight  that  Mr  Vanslyperken  again  woke,  and  found 
that  the  light  had  burnt  out.  He  could  not  remain  in  the 
dark,  it  was  too  dreadful ;  he  raised  himself,  and  pulled 
the  bell  over  his  head.  Some  one  entered.  "Bring  a 
light  immediately,"  cried  Vanslyperken. 

In  a  minute  or  two  the  gleams  of  a  light  were  seen 
burning  at  a  distance  by  the  lieutenant.  He  watched  its 
progress  aft,  and  its  entrance,  and  he  felt  relieved;  but 
he  had  now  a  devouring  thirst  upon  him,  and  his  lips 
were  glued  together,  and  he  turned  over  on  his  bed  to 
ask  the  corporal,  whom  he  supposed  it  was,  for  water. 
He  fixed  his  eyes  upon  the  party  with  the  candle,  and  by 
the  feeble  light  of  the  dip,  he  beheld  the  pale,  haggard 
face  of  Smallbones,  who  stared  at  him,  but  uttered  not 
a  word. 

**  Mercy,  O  God !  mercy  !  "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken, 
falling  back,  and  covering  his  face  with  the  bedclothes, 

Smallbones  did  not  reply ;  he  blew  out  the  candle,  and 
quitted  the  cabin. 


The  Dog  Fiend  197 

Chapter  XXVII 

In  which  Mr  Vanslyperken  is  taught  a  secret 

We  are  anxious  to  proceed  with  our  narrative,  but  we 
must  first  explain  the  unexpected  appearance  of  Small- 
bones.  When  Corporal  Van  Spitter  was  requested  by 
Vanslyperken  to  bring  a  pistol  and  cartridge,  the  corporal, 
who  had  not  forgotten  the  hints  thrown  out  by  Vansly- 
perken during  their  last  consultation,  immediately  imagined 
that  it  was  for  Smallbones'  benefit.  And  he  was 
strengthened  in  his  opinion,  when  he  learnt  that  Small- 
bones  was  to  go  on  shore  with  his  master  after  it  was 
dusk.  Now  Corporal  Van  Spitter  had  no  notion  of  the 
poor  lad's  brains  being  blown  out,  and  when  Mr  Vansly- 
perken went  on  deck  and  left  the  pistol,  he  went  into  the 
cabin,  searched  for  it,  and  drew  the  bullet,  which 
Vanslyperken,  of  course,  was  not  aware  of.  It  then 
occurred  to  the  corporal,  that  if  the  pistol  were  aimed  at 
Smallbones,  and  he  was  uninjured,  it  would  greatly  add  to 
the  idea,  already  half  entertained  by  the  superstitious 
lieutenant,  of  there  being  something  supernatural  about 
Smallbones,  if  he  were  left  to  suppose  that  he  had  been 
killed,  and  had  reappeared.  He,  therefore,  communicated 
his  suspicions  to  the  lad,  told  him  what  he  had  done,  and 
advised  him,  if  the  pistol  were  fired,  to  pretend  to  be 
killed,  and  when  left  by  his  master,  to  come  on  board 
quietly  in  the  night.  Smallbones,  who  perceived  the  drift 
of  all  this,  promised  to  act  accordingly,  and  in  the  last 
chapter  it  will  be  observed  how  he  contrived  to  deceive 
his  master.  As  soon  as  the  lieutenant  was  out  of  hearing, 
Smallbones  rose,  and  leaving  the  bag  where  it  lay,  hastened 
back  to  Portsmouth,  and  came  on  board  about  two  hours 
before  Vanslyperken  rang  his  bell.  He  narrated  what  had 
passed,  but,  of  course,  could  not  exactly  swear  that  it  was 
Vanslyperken  who  fired  the  pistol,  as  it  was  fired  from 


198  Snarleyyow;  or, 

behind,  but  even  if  he  could  have  so  sworn,  at  that  time 
he  would  have  obtained  but  little  redress. 

It  was  considered  much  more  advisable  that  Smallbones 
should  pretend  to  believe  that  he  had  been  attacked  by 
robbers,  and  that  the  ball  had  missed  him,  after  he  had 
frightened  his  master  by  his  unexpected  appearance,  for 
Vanslyperken  would  still  be  of  the  opinion  that  the  lad 
possessed  a  charmed  life. 

The  state  of  Mr  Vanslyperken  during  the  remainder  of 
that  night  was  pitiable,  but  we  must  leave  the  reader  to 
suppose,  rather  than  attempt  to  describe  it. 

In  the  morning  the  corporal  came  in,  and  after  asking 
after  his  superior's  health,  informed  him  that  Smallbones 
had  come  on  board,  that  the  lad  said  that  the  robbers  had 
fired  a  pistol  at  him,  and  then  knocked  him  down  with  the 
butt  end  of  it,  and  that  he  had  escaped  but  with  the  loss 
of  the  bag. 

This  was  a  great  relief  to  the  mind  of  Mr  Vanslyperken, 
who  had  imagined  that  he  had  been  visited  by  the  ghost  of 
Smallbones  during  the  night :  he  expressed  himself  glad  at 
his  return,  and  a  wish  to  be  left  alone,  upon  which  the 
corporal  retired.  As  soon  as  Vanslyperken  found  out  that 
Smallbones  was  still  alive,  his  desire  to  kill  him  returned ; 
although,  when  he  supposed  him  dead,  he  would,  to  escape 
from  his  own  feelings,  have  resuscitated  him.  One  chief 
idea  now  whirled  in  his  brain,  which  was,  that  the  lad 
must  have  a  charmed  life ;  he  had  floated  out  to  the  Nab 
buoy  and  back  again,  and  now  he  had  had  a  pistol-bullet 
passed  through  his  skull  without  injury.  He  felt  too 
much  fear  to  attempt  anything  against  him  for  the  future, 
but  his  desire  to  do  so  was  stronger  than  ever. 

Excitement  and  vexation  brought  on  a  slow  fever,  and 
Mr  Vanslyperken  lay  for  three  or  four  days  in  bed ;  at  the 
end  of  which  period  he  received  a  message  from  the 
admiral,  directing  him  to  come  or  send  on  shore  (for  his 
state  had  been  made  known)  for  his  despatches,  and  to  sail 
as  soon  as  possible. 

Upon  receiving  the  message,  Mr  Vanslyperken  recol- 


The  Dog  Fiend  199 

lected  his  engagement  at  the  house  of  the  Jew  Lazarus, 
and  weak  as  he  was,  felt  too  much  afraid  of  the  results, 
should  he  fail,  not  to  get  out  of  bed  and  go  on  shore.  It 
was  with  difficulty  he  could  walk  so  far.  When  he  arrived 
he  found  Ramsay  ready  to  receive  him. 

"  To  sail  as  soon  as  possible : — 'tis  well,  sir.  Have  you 
your  despatches  ?  " 

**I  sent  to  the  admiral's  for  them,"  replied  Vansly- 
perken. 

"  Well,  then,  be  all  ready  to  start  at  midnight.  I  shall 
come  on  board  about  a  quarter  of  an  hour  before  ;  you 
may  go,  sir." 

Vanslyperken  quailed  under  the  keen  eye  and  stern  look 
of  Ramsay,  and  obeyed  the  uncourteous  order  in  silence ; 
still  he  thought  of  revenge  as  he  walked  back  to  the  boat 
and  re-embarked  in  the  cutter. 

"What's  this,  Short?"  observed  Coble:  "here  is  a 
new  freak ;  we  start  at  midnight,  I  hear." 

"  Yes,"  replied  Short. 

"  Something  quite  new,  anyhow  : — don't  understand  it : 
do  you  ? " 

"  No,"  replied  Dick. 

"Well,  now  Jemmy's  gone,  I  don't  care  how  soon  I 
follow,  Dick." 

"Nor  I,"  replied  Short. 

"  I've  a  notion  there's  some  mystery  in  all  this.  For," 
continued  Coble,  "  the  admiral  would  never  have  ordered 
us  out  till  to-morrow  morning,  if  he  did  not  make  us  sail 
this  evening.     It's  not  a  man-of-war  fashion,  is  it,  Dick  ? " 

"  No,"  replied  Short. 

"  Well,  we  shall  see,"  replied  Coble.  "  I  shall  turn  in 
now.     You've  heard  all  about  Smallbones,  heh  !  Dick  ?  " 

Short  nodded  his  head. 

"  Well,  we  shall  see  :  but  I'll  back  the  boy  'gainst 
master  and  dog  too,  in  the  long  run.  D — n  his  Dutch 
carcass,  he  seems  to  make  but  small  count  of  English 
subjects,  heh !  " 

Short  leant  over  the  gunwale  and  whistled. 


200  Snarleyyow;  or, 

Coble,  finding  it  impossible  to  extract  one  monosyllable 
more  from  him,  walked  forward,  and  went  down  below. 

A  little  before  twelve  o'clock  a  boat  came  alongside,  and 
Ramsay  stepped  out  of  it  into  the  cutter.  Vanslyperken 
had  been  walking  the  deck  to  receive  him,  and  immediately 
showed  him  down  into  the  cabin,  where  he  left  him  to  go 
on  deck,  and  get  the  cutter  under  way.  There  was 
a  small  stove  in  the  cabin,  for  the  weather  was  still  cold  ; 
they  were  advanced  into  the  month  of  March.  Ramsay 
threw  off  his  coat,  laid  two  pair  of  loaded  pistols  on  the 
table,  locked  the  door  of  the  cabin,  and  then  proceeded  to 
warm  himself,  while  Vanslyperken  was  employed  on  deck. 

In  an  hour  the  cutter  was  outside  and  clear  of  all; 
danger,  and  Vanslyperken  had  to  knock  to  gain  admittance 
into  his  own  cabin.  Ramsay  opened  the  door,  and 
Vanslyperken,  who  thought  he  must  say  something, 
observed  gloomily, 

"We  are  all  clear,  sir." 

"Very  good,"  replied  Ramsay;  "and  now,  sir,  I 
believe  that  you  have  despatches  on  board  ?  " 

"  Yes,"  replied  Vanslyperken. 

"  You  will  oblige  me  by  letting  me  look  at  them." 

"  My  despatches  !  "  said  Vanslyperken  with  surprise. 

**  Yes,  sir,  your  despatches  ;  immediately,  if  you  please 
— no  trifling." 

"  You  forget,  sir,"  replied  Vanslyperken  angrily,  "  that 
I  am  not  any  longer  in  your  power,  but  on  board  of  my 
own  vessel." 

"  You  appear  not  to  know,  sir,  that  you  are  in  my 
power  even  on  board  of  your  own  vessel,"  replied  Ramsay, 
starting  up,  and  laying  his  hand  over  the  pistols,  which  he 
drew  towards  him,  and  replaced  in  his  belt.  "If  you 
trust  to  your  ship's  company  you  are  mistaken,  as  you  will 
soon  discover.     I  demand  the  despatches." 

"  But,  sir,  you  will  ruin  me  and  ruin  yourself,"  replied 
Vanslyperken,  alarmed. 

"  Fear  not,"  replied  Ramsay ;  "for  my  own  sake,  and 
that  of  the  good  cause,  I  shall  not  hurt  you.     No  one  will 


The  Dog  Fiend  201 

know  that  the  despatches  have  been  ever  examined, 
and " 

**  And  what  ?"  replied  Vanslyperken,  gloomily. 

"  For  the  passage,  and  this  service,  you  will  receive 
one  hundred  guineas." 

Vanslyperken  no  longer  hesitated;  he  opened  the 
drawer  in  which  he  had  deposited  the  letters,  and 
produced  them. 

**  Now  lock  the  door,"  said  Ramsay,  taking  his  seat. 

He  then  examined  the  seals,  pulled  some  out  of  his 
pocket,  and  compared  them;  sorted  the  letters  according 
to  the  seals,  and  laid  one  corresponding  at  the  heading  of 
each  file,  for  there  were  three  different  government  seals 
upon  the  despatches.  He  then  took  a  long  Dutch  earthen 
pipe  which  was  hanging  above,  broke  off  the  bowl,  and 
put  one  end  of  the  stem  into  the  fire.  When  it  was  of  a 
red  heat  he  took  it  out,  and  applying  his  lips  to  the  cool 
end,  and  the  hot  one  close  to  the  sealing-wax,  he  blew 
through  it,  and  the  heated  blast  soon  dissolved  the  wax, 
and  the  despatches  were  opened  one  after  another  without 
the  slightest  difficulty  or  injury  to  the  paper.  He  then 
commenced  reading,  taking  memorandums  on  his  tablets 
as  he  proceeded. 

When  he  had  finished,  he  again  heated  the  pipe, 
melted  the  wax,  which  had  become  cold  and  hard 
again,  and  resealed  all  the  letters  with  his  counterfeit 
seals. 

During  this  occupation,  which  lasted  upwards  of  an 
hour,  Vanslyperken  looked  on  with  surprise,  leaning 
against  the  bulk-head  of  the  cabin. 

"  There,  sir,  are  your  despatches,"  said  Ramsay,  rising 
from  his  chair;  "you  may  now  put  them  away;  and,  as 
you  may  observe,  you  are  not  compromised." 

"No,  indeed,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  who  was  struck 
with  the  ingenuity  of  the  method  ;  "  but  you  have  given 
me  an  idea." 

**  I  will  tell  you  what  that  is,"  replied  Ramsay.  **  You 
are  thinking,  if  I  left  you  these  false  seals,  you  could  give 


202  Snarleyyow;  or, 

me  the  contents  of  the  despatches,  provided  you  were  well 
p^d.     Is  it  not  so  ?  " 

"  It  was,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  who  had  immediately 
been  struck  with  such  a  new  source  of  wealth  j  for  he 
cared  little  what  he  did — all  he  cared  for  was  discovery. 

**  Had  you  not  proposed  it  yourself,  I  intended  that  you 
should  have  done  it,  sir,"  replied  Ramsay  ;  "  and  that  you 
should  also  be  paid  for  it.  I  will  arrange  all  that  before  I 
leave  the  vessel.  But  now  I  shall  retire  to  my  bed. 
Have  you  one  ready  ?  " 

"  I  have  none  but  what  you  see,"  replied  Vanslyperken. 
"  It  is  my  own,  but  at  your  service." 

"  I  shall  accept  it,"  replied  Ramsay,  putting  his  pistols 
under  his  pillow,  after  having  thrown  himself  on  the 
outside  of  the  bedclothes,  pulling  his  roquelaure  over  him. 
"  And  now  you  will  oblige  me  by  turning  that  cur  out  of 
the  cabin,  for  his  smell  is  anything  but  pleasant." 

Vanslyperken  had  no  idea  of  his  passenger  so  coolly 
taking  possession  of  his  bed,  but  to  turn  out  Snarleyyow 
as  well  as  himself,  appeared  an  unwarrantable  liberty. 
But  he  felt  that  he  had  but  to  submit,  for  Ramsay  was 
despotic,  and  he  was  afraid  of  him. 

After  much  resistance,  Snarleyyow  was  kicked  out  by 
his  master,  who  then  went  on  deck  not  in  the  very  best  of 
humours,  at  finding  he  had  so  completely  sold  himself  to 
those  who  might  betray  and  hang  him  the  very  next  day. 
**  At  all  events,"  thought  Vanslyperken,  "  I'm  well  paid 
for  it." 

It  was  now  daylight,  and  the  cutter  was  running  with 
a  favourable  breeze  j  the  hands  were  turned  up,  and 
Corporal  Van  Spitter  came  on  deck.  Vanslyperken,  who 
had  been  running  over  in  his  mind  all  the  events  which 
had  latterly  taken  place,  had  considered  that,  as  he  had 
lost  the  Portsmouth  widow,  he  might  as  well  pursue  his 
suit  with  the  widow  Vandersloosh,  especially  as  she  had  sent 
such  a  conciliating  message  by  the  corporal ;  and  perceiv- 
ing the  corporal  on  deck,  he  beckoned  to  him  to  approach. 
Vanslyperken  then  observed,  that  he  was  angry  the  other 


The  Dog  Fiend  203 

day,  and  that  the  corporal  need  not  give  that  message  to 
the  Frau  Vandersloosh,  as  he  intended  to  call  upon  her 
himself  upon  his  arrival.  Van  Spitter,  who  did  not  know 
anything  about  the  Portsmouth  widow,  and  could  not 
imagine  why  the  angry  message  had  been  given,  of  course 
assented,  although  he  was  fully  determined  that  the 
widow  should  be  informed  of  the  insult.  The  question 
was  now,  how  to  be  able  to  go  on  shore  himself;  and  to 
compass  that  without  suspicion,  he  remarked  that  the  maid 
Babette  was  a  very  fine  maid,  and  he  should  like  to  see 
her  again. 

This  little  piece  of  confidence  was  not  thrown  away. 
Vanslyperken  was  too  anxious  to  secure  the  corporal, 
and  he  replied,  that  the  corporal  should  go  ashore  and  see 
her,  if  he  pleased ;  upon  which  Corporal  Van  Spitter  made 
his  best  military  salute,  turned  round  on  his  heel,  and 
walked  away,  laughing  in  his  sleeve  at  having  so  easily 
gulled  his  superior. 

On  the  third  morning  the  cutter  had  arrived  at  her 
destined  port.  During  the  passage  Ramsay  had  taken 
possession  of  the  cabin,  ordering  everything  as  he  pleased, 
much  to  the  surprise  of  the  crew.  Mr  Vanslyperken 
spoke  of  him  as  a  king's  messenger,  but  still  Smallbones, 
who  took  care  to  hear  what  was  going  on,  reported  the 
abject  submission  shown  to  Ramsay  by  the  lieutenant,  and 
this  was  the  occasion  of  great  marvel;  moreover,  they 
doubted  his  being  a  king's  messenger,  for,  as  Smallbones 
very  shrewdly  observed,  "Why,  if  he  was  a  king's 
messenger,  did  he  not  come  with  the  despatches  ? "  How- 
ever, they  could  only  surmise,  and  no  more.  But  the  dog 
being  turned  out  of  the  cabin  in  compliance  with  Ramsay's 
wish,  was  the  most  important  point  of  all.  They  could 
have  got  over  all  the  rest,  but  that  was  quite  incompre- 
hensible; and  they  all  agreed  with  Coble,  when  he 
observed,  hitching  up  his  trousers,  **  Depend  upon  it, 
there's  a  screw  loose  somewhere." 

As  soon  as  the  cutter  was  at  anchor,  Ramsay  ordered 
his  portmanteau  into  the  boat,  and  Vanslyperken  having 


204  Snarleyyow;  or, 

accompanied  him  on  shore,  they  separated,  Ramsay  in- 
forming Vanslyperken  that  he  would  wish  to  see  him  the 
next  day,  and  giving  him  his  address. 

Vanslyperken  delivered  his  despatches,  and  then 
hastened  to  the  widow  Vandersloosh,  who  received  him 
with  a  well-assumed  appearance  of  mingled  pleasure  and 
reserve. 

Vanslyperken  led  her  to  the  sofa,  poured  forth  a  multi- 
tudinous compound  composed  of  regret,  devotion,  and 
apologies,  which  at  last  appeared  to  have  melted  the  heart 
of  the  widow,  who  once  more  gave  him  her  hand  to  salute. 

Vanslyperken  was  all  rapture  at  so  unexpected  a  recon- 
ciliation; the  name  of  the  cur  was  not  mentioned,  and 
Vanslyperken  thought  to  himself,  "  This  will  do, — let  me 
only  once  get  you,  my  Frau,  and  I'll  teach  you  to  wish  my 
dog  dead  at  your  porch." 

On  the  other  hand  the  widow  thought,  **  And  so  this 
atomy  really  believes  that  I  would  look  upon  him  !  "Well, 
well,  Mr  Vanslyperken,  we  shall  see  how  it  ends.     Your 

cur  under  my  bed,  indeed,  so  sure  do  you    never . 

Yes,  yes,  Mr  Vanslyperken." 

There  is  a  great  deal  of  humbug  in  this  world,  that  is 
certain. 


Chapter  XXVIII 

In  which  we  have  at  last  introduced  a  decent  sort  of  heroine,  who,  however, 
only  plays  a  second  in  our  history,  Snarleyyow  being  first  fiddle. 

But  we  must  leave  Mr  Vanslyperken,  and  the  widow,  and 
the  Tungfrau,  and  all  connected  with  her,  for  the  present, 
and  follow  the  steps  of  Ramsay,  in  doing  which  we  shall 
have  to  introduce  new  personages  in  our  little  drama. 

As  soon  as  Ramsay  had  taken  leave  of  Vanslyperken, 
being  a  stranger  at  Amsterdam,  he  inquired  his  way  to  the 
Golden  Street,  in  which  resided  Mynheer  Van  Krause, 
syndic  of  the  town,  and  to  whom  he  had  obtained  his 
principal  letters  of  introduction.     The  syndic's  house  was 


The  Dog  Fiend  205 

too  well  known  not  to  be  immediately  pointed  out  to  him, 
and  in  ten  minutes  he  found  himself,  with  the  sailors  at  his 
heels  who  had  been  ordered  to  carry  up  his  baggage,  at  a 
handsomely  carved  door  painted  in  bright  green,  and  with 
knockers  of  massive  brass  which  glittered  in  the  sun. 

Ramsay,  as  he  waited  a  few  seconds,  looked  up  at  the 
house,  which  was  large  and  with  a  noble  front  to  the  wide 
street  in  face  of  it,  not,  as  usual  with  most  of  the  others, 
divided  in  the  centre  by  a  canal  running  the  whole  length 
of  it.  The  door  was  opened,  and  led  into  a  large  paved 
yard,  the  sides  of  which  were  lined  with  evergreens  in 
large  tubs,  painted  of  the  same  bright  green  colour ;  ad- 
joining to  the  yard  was  a  small  garden  enclosed  with  high 
walls,  which  was  laid  out  with  great  precision,  and  in 
small  beds  full  of  tulips,  ranunculuses,  and  other  bulbs 
now  just  appearing  above  the  ground.  The  sailors  waited 
outside  while  the  old  gray-headed  servitor  who  had  opened 
the  gate,  ushered  Ramsay  through  the  court  to  a  second 
door  which  led  into  the  house.  The  hall  into  which  he 
entered  was  paved  with  marble,  and  the  staircase  bold  and 
handsome  which  led  to  the  first  floor,  but  on  each  side  of 
the  hall  there  were  wooden  partitions  and  half-glass  doors, 
through  which  Ramsay  could  see  that  the  rest  of  the 
basement  was  appropriated  to  warehouses,  and  that  in  the 
warehouse  at  the  back  of  the  building  there  were  people 
busily  employed  hoisting  out  merchandise  from  the  vessels 
in  the  canal,  the  water  of  which  adjoined  the  very  walls. 
Ramsay  followed  the  man  upstairs,  who  showed  him  into 
a  very  splendidly-furnished  apartment,  and  then  went  to 
summon  his  master,  who,  he  said,  was  below  in  the  ware- 
house. Ramsay  had  but  a  minute  or  two  to  examine  the 
various  objects  which  decorated  the  room,  particularly 
some  very  fine  pictures,  when  Mynheer  Van  Krause  made 
his  appearance,  with  some  open  tablets  in  his  hand  and  his 
pen  across  his  mouth.  He  was  a  very  short  man,  with  a 
respectable  paunch,  a  very  small  head,  quite  bald,  a  keen 
blue  eye,  reddish  but  straight  nose,  and  a  very  florid 
complexion.     There  was  nothing  vulgar  about  his  appear- 


2o6  Snarleyyow;  or, 

ance,  although  his  figure  was  against  him.  His  countenance 
was  one  of  extreme  frankness,  mixed  with  considerable 
intelligence,  and  his  whole  manner  gave  you  the  idea  of 
precision  and  calculation. 

**  You  would — tyfel — I  forgot  my  pen,"  said  the  syndic, 
catching  it  as  it  fell  out  of  his  mouth.  "  You  would  speak 
with  me,  mynheer  ?  To  whom  have  I  the  pleasure  of 
addressing  myself?" 

"  These  letters,  sir,"  replied  Ramsay,  *'  will  inform  you." 

Mynheer  Van  Krause  laid  his  tablets  on  the  table,  put- 
ting his  pen  across  to  mark  the  leaf  where  he  had  them 
open,  and  taking  the  letters  begged  Ramsay  to  be  seated. 
He  then  took  a  chair,  pulled  a  pair  of  hand-glasses  out  of 
his  pocket,  laid  them  on  his  knees,  broke  the  seals,  and 
falling  back  so  as  to  recline,  commenced  reading.  As  soon 
as  he  had  finished  the  first  letter,  he  put  his  glasses  down 
from  his  eyes,  and  made  a  bow  to  Ramsay,  folded  the  open 
letter  the  length  of  the  sheet,  took  out  his  pencil,  and  on 
the  outside  wrote  the  date  of  the  letter,  the  day  of  the 
month,  name,  and  the  name  of  the  writer.  Having  done 
this,  he  laid  the  first  letter  down  on  the  table,  took  up  the 
second,  raised  up  his  glasses,  and  performed  the  same  duty 
towards  it,  and  thus  he  continued  until  he  had  read  the 
whole  six ;  always,  as  he  concluded  each  letter,  making  the 
same  low  bow  to  Ramsay  which  he  had  after  the  perusal 
of  the  first.  Ramsay,  who  was  not  a  little  tired  of  all  this 
precision,  at  last  fixed  his  eyes  upon  a  Wouvermann  which 
hung  near  him,  and  only  took  them  off  when  he  guessed 
the  time  of  bowing  to  be  at  hand. 

The  last  having  been  duly  marked  and  numbered, 
Mynheer  Van  Krause  turned  to  Ramsay,  and  said,  **  I  am 
most  happy,  mynheer,  to  find  under  my  roof  a  young 
gentleman  so  much  recommended  by  many  valuable 
friends ;  moreover,  as  these  letters  give  me  to  understand, 
so  warm  a  friend  to  our  joint  sovereign,  and  so  inimical  to 
the  Jacobite  party.  I  am  informed  by  these  letters  that 
you  intend  to  remain  at  Amsterdam.  If  so,  I  trust  that  you 
will  take  up  your  quarters  in  this  house." 


The  Dog  Fiend  207 

To  this  proposal  Ramsay,  who  fully  expected  it,  gave  a 
willing  consent,  saying,  at  the  same  time,  that  he  had  pro- 
posed going  to  an  hotel ;  but  Mynheer  Van  Krause  insisted 
on  sending  for  Ramsay's  luggage.  He  had  not  far  to  send, 
as  it  was  at  the  door. 

**  How  did  you  come  over  ?'*  inquired  the  host. 

"In  a  king's  cutter,"  replied  Ramsay,  "which  waited 
for  me  at  Portsmouth." 

This  intimation  produced  another  very  low  bow  from 
Mynheer  Van  Krause,  as  it  warranted  the  importance  of  his 
guest ;  but  he  then  rose,  and  apologising  for  his  presence 
being  necessary  below,  as  they  were  unloading  a  cargo  of 
considerable  value,  he  ordered  his  old  porter  to  show  Mr 
Ramsay  into  his  rooms,  and  to  take  up  his  luggage,  inform- 
ing his  guest  that,  it  being  now  twelve  o'clock,  dinner 
would  be  on  the  table  at  half-past  one,  during  which 
interval  he  begged  Ramsay  to  amuse  himself,  by  examining 
the  pictures,  books,  &c.,  with  which  the  room  was  well 
furnished.  Then,  resuming  his  tablets  and  pen,  and  taking 
the  letters  with  him,  Mynheer  Van  Krause  made  a  very 
low  bow,  and  left  Ramsay  to  himself,  little  imagining  that 
he  had  admitted  an  attainted  traitor  under  his  roof. 

Ramsay  could  speak  Dutch  fluently,  for  he  had  been 
quartered  two  years  at  Middleburg,  when  he  was  serving 
in  the  army.  As  soon  as  the  sailors  had  taken  up  his 
portmanteau,  and  he  had  dismissed  them  with  a  gratuity, 
the  extent  of  which  made  the  old  porter  open  his  eyes  with 
astonishment,  and  gave  him  a  favourable  opinion  of  his 
master's  new  guest,  he  entered  into  conversation  with  the 
old  man,  who,  like  Eve  upon  another  occasion,  was 
tempted,  nothing  loth,  for  the  old  man  loved  to  talk ;  and 
in  a  house  so  busy  as  the  syndic's  there  were  few  who  had 
time  to  chatter,  and  those  who  had,  preferred  other  con- 
versation to  what,  it  must  be  confessed,  was  rather  prosy. 

"Mein  Gott,  mynheer,  you  must  not  expect  to  have 
company  here  all  day.  My  master-  has  the  town  business 
and  his  own  business  to  attend  to :  he  can't  well  get  through 
it  all :  besides,  now  is  a  busy  time,  the  schuyts  are  bringing 


2o8  Snarleyyow;  or, 

up  the  cargo  of  a  vessel  from  a  far  voyage,  and  Mynheer 
Krause  always  goes  to  the  warehouse  from  breakfast  till 
dinner,  and  then  again  from  three  or  four  o'clock  till  six. 
After  that  he  will  stay  above,  and  then  sees  company, 
and  hears  our  young  lady  sing." 

**  Young  lady  !  has  he  a  daughter  then  ?  " 

"He  has  a  daughter,  mynheer — only  one — only  one 
child — no  son,  it  is  a  pity  ;  and  so  much  money  too,  they 
say.  I  don't  know  how  many  stivers  and  guilders  she 
will  have  by-and-bye." 

"  Is  not  Madame  Krause  still  alive  ?  " 

"No,  mynheer,  she  died  when  this  maiden  was  born. 
She  was  a  good  lady,  cured  me  once  of  the  yellow 
jaundice." 

Ramsay,  like  all  young  men,  wondered  what  sort  of  a 
person  this  lady  might  be ;  but  he  was  too  discreet  to  put 
the  question.  He  was,  however,  pleased  to  hear  that 
there  was  a  young  female  in  the  house,  as  it  would  make 
the  time  pass  away  more  agreeably ,  not  that  he  expected 
much.  Judging  from  the  father,  he  made  up  his  mind, 
as  he  took  his  clothes  out  of  his  vaRse,  that  she  was  very 
short,  very  prim,  and  had  a  hooked  nose. 

The  old  man  now  left  the  room  to  allow  Ramsay  to 
dress,  and  telling  him  that  if  he  wanted  anything,  he  had 
only  to  call  for  Koops,  which  was  his  name,  but  going 
out,  he  returned  to  say,  that  Ramsay  must  call  rather 
loud,  as  he  was  a  little  hard  of  hearing. 

"Well,"  thought  Ramsay,  as  he  was  busy  with  his 
toilet,  "  here  I  am  safe  lodged  at  last,  and  everything 
appears  as  if  it  would  prosper.  There  is  something  in 
my  position  which  my  mind  revolts  at,  but  stratagem  is 
necessary  in  war.  I  am  in  the  enemy's  camp  to  save  my 
own  life,  and  to  serve  the  just  cause.  It  is  no  more  than 
what  they  attempt  to  do  with  us.     It  is  my  duty  to  my 

lawful  sovereign,  but  still 1   do   not   like   it.     Then 

the  more  merit  in  performing  a  duty  so  foreign  to  my 
inclinations." 

Such  were  the  thoughts  of  Ramsay,  who  like  other 


The  Dog  Fiend  209 

manly  and  daring  dispositions,  was  dissatisfied  with  playing 
the  part  of  a  deceiver,  although  he  had  been  selected  for 
the  service,  and  his  selection  had  been  approved  of  at  the 
Court  of  St  Germains. 

Open  warfare  would  have  suited  him  better;  but  he 
would  not  repine  at  what  he  considered  he  was  bound  in 
fealty  to  perform,  if  required,  although  he  instinctively 
shrank  from  it.  His  toilet  was  complete,  and  Ramsay 
descended  into  the  reception-room :  he  had  been  longer 
than  usual,  but  probably  that  was  because  he  wished  to 
commune  with  himself;  or  it  might  be,  because  he  had 
been  informed  that  there  was  a  young  lady  in  the  house. 

The  room  was  empty  when  Ramsay  entered  it,  and  he 
took  the  advice  of  his  host,  and  amused  himself  by  ex- 
amining the  pictures,  and  other  articles  of  virtUy  with 
which  the  room  was  filled. 

At  last,  having  looked  at  everything,  Ramsay  examined 
a  splendid  clock  on  the  mantelpiece,  before  a  fine  glass, 
which  mounted  to  the  very  top  of  the  lofty  room,  when, 
accidentally  casting  his  eyes  to  the  looking-glass,  he 
perceived  in  it  that  the  door  of  the  room,  to  which  his 
back  was  turned,  was  open,  and  that  a  female  was 
standing  there,  apparently  surprised  to  find  a  stranger, 
and  not  exactly  knowing  whether  to  advance  or  retreat. 
Ramsay  remained  in  the  same  position,  as  if  he  did  not 
perceive  her,  that  he  might  look  at  her  without  her  being 
aware  of  it.  It  was,  as  he  presumed,  the  syndic's  daughter ; 
but  how  different  from  the  person  he  had  conjured  up  in 
his  mind's  eye,  when  at  his  toilet !  Apparently  about 
seventeen  or  eighteen  years  of  age,  she  was  rather  above 
the  height  of  woman,  delicately  formed,  although  not  by 
any  means  thin  in  her  person :  her  figure  possessing  all 
that  feminine  luxuriance,  which  can  only  be  obtained  when 
the  bones  are  small,  but  well  covered.  Her  face  was 
oval,  and  brilliantly  fair.  Her  hair  of  a  dark  chestnut, 
and  her  eyes  of  a  deep  blue.  Her  dress  was  simple  in 
the  extreme.  She  wore  nothing  but  the  white  woollen 
petticoats  of  the  time,  so  short,  as  to  show  above  her 


2IO  Snarleyyow;  or, 

ankles,  and  a  sort  of  little  jacket  of  fine  green  cloth,  with 
lappets,  which  descended  from  the  waist,  and  opened  in 
front.  Altogether,  Ramsay  thought  that  he  had  never 
in  his  life  seen  a  young  female  so  peculiarly  attractive  at 
first  sight :  there  was  a  freshness  in  her  air  and  appearance 
so  uncommon,  so  unlike  the  general  crowd.  As  she  stood 
in  a  state  of  uncertainty,  her  mouth  opened,  and  displayed 
small  and  beautifully  white  teeth. 

Gradually   she   receded,    supposing   that   she   had   not 
been   discovered,  and  closed  the   door  quietly  after  her 
leaving  Ramsay  for  a  few  seconds  at  the  glass,  with  hL 
eyes  fixed  upon  the  point  at  which  she  had  disappeared. 

Ramsay  of  course  fell  into  a  reverie,  as  most  men  do 
in  a  case  of  this  kind  ;  but  he  had  not  proceeded  very  far 
into  it  before  he  was  interrupted  by  the  appearance  of 
the  syndic,  who  entered  by  another  door. 

"  I  am  sorry  to  have  been  obliged  to  leave  you  to  your 
own  company,  Mynheer  Ramsay,  so  soon  after  your  arrival ; 
but  my  arrangement  of  time  is  regular,  and  I  cannot  make 
any  alteration.  Before  you  have  been  with  us  long,  I 
trust  that  you  will  find  means  of  amusement.  I  shall 
have  great  pleasure  in  introducing  you  to  many  friends 
whose  time  is  not  so  occupied  as  mine.  Once  again  let 
me  say  how  happy  I  am  to  receive  so  distinguished  a 
young  gentleman  under  my  roof.  Did  the  cutter  bring 
despatches  for  the  States  General,  may  I  enquire  ? " 

"  Yes,"  replied  Ramsay,  "  she  did ;  and  they  are  of 
some  importance." 

"  Indeed  ?  "  rejoined  Mynheer  inquisitively. 

**  My  dear  sir,"  said  Ramsay,  blushing  at  his  own 
falsehood,  **  we  are,  I  believe,  both  earnest  in  one  point, 
which  is  to  strengthen  the  good  cause.  Under  such  an 
impression,  and  having  accepted  your  hospitality,  I  have  no 
right  to  withhold  what  I  know,  but  with  which  others  are 
not  acquainted." 

"  My  dear  sir,"  interrupted  Krause,  who  was  now  fully 
convinced  of  the  importance  of  his  guest,  "  you  do  me 
justice  ;  I  am  firm  and  steadfast  in  the  good  cause.     I  am 


The  Dog  Fiend  211 

known  to  be  so,  and  I  am  also,  I  trust,  discreet ;  confiding 
to  my  tried  friends,  indeed,  but  it  will  be  generally  acknow- 
ledged that  Mynheer  Krause  has  possessed,  and  safely 
guarded,  the  secrets  of  the  state." 

Now,  in  the  latter  part  of  this  speech.  Mynheer  Krause 
committed  a  small  mistake.  He  was  known  to  be  a 
babbler,  one  to  whom  a  secret  could  not  be  imparted, 
without  every  risk  of  its  being  known ;  and  it  was  from 
the  knowledge  of  this  failing  in  Mynheer  Krause  that 
Ramsay  had  received  such  very  particular  recommendations 
to  him.  As  syndic  of  the  town,  it  was  impossible  to 
prevent  his  knowledge  of  government  secrets,  and  v/hen 
these  occasionally  escaped,  they  were  always  traced  to  his 
not  being  able  to  hold  his  tongue. 

Nothing  pleased  Mynheer  Krause  so  much  as  a  secret, 
because  nothing  gave  him  so  much  pleasure  as  whispering 
it  confidentially  into  the  ear  of  a  dozen  confidential  friends. 
The  consequence  v/as,  the  government  was  particularly 
careful  that  he  should  not  know  what  was  going  on,  and 
did  all  they  could  to  prevent  it ;  but  there  were  many 
others  who,  although  they  could  keep  a  secret,  had  no 
objection  to  part  with  it  for  a  consideration,  and  in  the 
enormous  commercial  transactions  of  Mynheer  Krause,  it 
was  not  unfrequent  for  a  good  bargain  to  be  struck  with 
him  by  one  or  more  of  the  public  functionaries,  the  differ- 
ence between  the  sum  proposed  and  accepted  being  settled 
against  the  interests  of  Mynheer  Krause,  by  the  party 
putting  him  in  possession  of  some  government  movement 
which  had  hitherto  been  kept  in  petto.  Every  man  has  his 
hobby,  and  usually  pays  dear  for  it,  so  did  Mynheer  Krause. 

Now  when  it  is  remembered  that  Ramsay  had  opened 
and  read  the  whole  of  the  despatches,  it  may  at  once  be 
supposed  what  a  valuable  acquaintance  he  would  appear  to 
Mynheer  Krause  ;  but  we  must  not  anticipate.  Ramsay's 
reply  was,  "  I  feel  it  my  bounden  duty  to  impart  all  I  am 
possessed  of  to  my  very  worthy  host,  but  allow  me  to 
observe,  mynheer,  that  prudence  is  necessary — we  may  be 
overheard." 


212  Snarl eyyow;  or, 

"  I  am  pleased  to  find  one  of  your  age  so  circumspect," 
replied  Krause  ;  "  perhaps  it  would  be  better  to  defer  our 
conversation  till  after  supper,  but  in  the  meantime,  could 
you  not  just  give  me  a  little  inkling  of  what  is  going  on  ? " 

Ramsay  had  difficulty  in  stifling  a  smile  at  this  specimen 
of  Mynheer  Krause's  eagerness  for  intelligence.  He  very 
gravely  walked  up  to  him,  looked  all  round  the  room  as  if 
he  was  afraid  that  the  walls  would  hear  him,  and  then 
whispered  for  a  few  seconds  into  the  ear  of  his  host. 

"  Indeed  !  "  exclaimed  Krause,  looking  up  into  Ramsay's 
face. 

Ramsay  nodded  his  head  authoritatively. 

"  Gott  in  himmel !  "  exclaimed  the  syndic ;  but  here  the 
bell  for  dinner  rang  a  loud  peal.  "  Dinner  is  on  the  table, 
mynheer,"  continued  the  syndic,  "  allow  me  to  show  you 
the  way.  "We  will  talk  this  over  to-night.  Gott  in 
himmel !     Is  it  possible  ?  " 

Mynheer  Krause  led  the  way  to  another  saloon,  where 
Ramsay  found  not  only  the  table  prepared,  but,  as  he  had 
anticipated,  the  daughter  of  his  host,  to  whom  he  was 
introduced.  " Wilhelmina,"  said  Mynheer  Krause,  "our 
young  friend  will  stay  with  us,  I  trust,  some  time,  and  you 
must  do  all  you  can  to  make  him  comfortable.  You  know, 
my  dear,  that  business  must  be  attended  to.  With  me, 
time  is  money  ;  so  much  so,  that  I  can  scarcely  do  justice 
to  the  affairs  of  the  state  devolving  upon  me  in  virtue  of 
my  office.  You  must,  therefore,  join  with  me,  and  do 
your  best  to  amuse  our  guest." 

To  this  speech,  Wilhelmina  made  no  reply,  but  by  a 
gracious  inclination  of  her  head  towards  Ramsay,  which 
was  returned  with  all  humility.  The  dinner  was  excellent, 
and  Ramsay  amused  himself  very  well  indeed  until  it  was 
over.  Mynheer  Krause  then  led  the  way  to  the  saloon, 
called  for  coffee,  and,  so  soon  as  he  had  finished  it,  made 
an  apology  to  his  guest,  and  left  him  alone  with  his 
beautiful  daughter. 

Wilhelmina  Krause  was  a  young  person  of  a  strong 
mind  irregularly   cultivated ;    she   had   never  known  the 


The  Dog  Fiend  213 

advantage  of  a  mother's  care,  and  was  indeed  self- 
educated.  She  had  a  strong  tinge  of  romance  in  her 
character,  and,  left  so  much  alone,  she  loved  to  indulge 
in  it. 

In  other  points  she  was  clever,  well  read,  and  accom- 
plished ;  graceful  in  her  manners,  open  in  her  disposition, 
to  a  fault ;  for,  like  her  father,  she  could  not  keep  a 
secret,  not  even  the  secrets  of  her  own  heart ;  for  what- 
ever she  thought  she  gave  utterance  to,  which  is  not 
exactly  the  custom  in  this  world,  and  often  attended  with 
unpleasant  consequences. 

The  seclusion  in  which  she  had  been  kept  added  to 
the  natural  timidity  of  her  disposition — but  when  once 
intimate,  it  also  added  to  her  confiding  character.  It  was 
impossible  to  see  without  admiring  her,  to  know  her 
without  loving  her ;  for  she  was  nature  herself,  and,  at 
the  same  time,  in  her  person  one  of  Nature's  master- 
pieces. 

As  we  observed,  when  they  retired  to  the  saloon. 
Mynheer  Krause  very  shortly  quitted  them,  to  attend  to 
his  affairs  below,  desiring  his  daughter  to  exert  herself  for 
the  amusement  of  his  guest ;  the  contrary,  however,  was 
the  case,  for  Ramsay  exerted  himself  to  amuse  her,  and 
very  soon  was  successful,  for  he  could  talk  of  courts 
and  kings,  of  courtiers  and  of  people,  and  of  a  thousand 
things,  all  interesting  to  a  young  girl  who  had  lived 
secluded  •,  and  as  his  full-toned  voice,  in  measured  and 
low  pitch,  fell  upon  Wilhelmina's  ear,  she  never  perhaps 
was  so  much  interested.  She  seldom  ventured  a  remark, 
except  it  was  to  request  him  to  proceed,  and  the  eloquent 
language  with  which  Ramsay  clothed  his  ideas,  added  a 
charm  to  the  novelty  of  his  conversation.  In  the  course 
of  two  hours  Ramsay  had  already  acquired  a  moral  influ- 
ence over  Wilhelmina,  who  looked  up  to  him  with  respect, 
and  another  feeling  which  we  can  only  deilne  by  saying 
that  it  was  certainly  anything  but  ill-will. 

The  time  passed  so  rapidly,  that  the  two  young  people 
could   hardly   believe    it    possible    that   it   was   past   six 


2  14  Snarleyyow;  or, 

o'clock,  when  they  were  interrupted  by  the  appearance 
of  Mynheer  Krause,  who  came  from  his  counting-house, 
the  labours  of  the  day  being  over.  In  the  summer-time  it 
was  his  custom  to  take  his  daughter  out  in  the  carriage  at 
this  hour,  but  the  weather  was  too  cold,  and,  moreover,  it 
was  nearly  dark.  A  conversation  ensued  on  general  topics, 
which  lasted  till  supper-time  ;  after  this  repast  was  over 
Wilhelmina  retired,  leaving  Ramsay  and  the  syndic  alone. 

It  was  then  that  Ramsay  made  known  to  his  host  the 
contents  of  the  despatches,  much  to  Mynheer  Krause's 
surprise  and  delight,  who  felt  assured  that  his  guest  must 
be  strong  in  the  confidence  of  the  English  government,  to 
be  able  to  communicate  such  intelligence.  Ramsay,  who 
was  aware  that  the  syndic  would  sooner  or  later  know 
what  had  been  written,  of  course  was  faithful  in  his  detail ; 
not  so,  however,  when  they  canvassed  the  attempts  of  the 
Jacobite  party ;  then  Mr  Krause  was  completely  mystified. 

It  was  not  till  a  late  hour  that  they  retired  to  bed.  The 
next  morning,  the  syndic,  big  with  his  intelligence,  called 
upon  his  friends  in  person,  and  much  to  their  surprise  told 
them  the  contents  of  the  despatches  which  had  been 
received — and,  much  to  his  delight,  discovered  that  he  had 
been  correctly  informed.  He  also  communicated  what 
Ramsay  had  told  him  relative  to  the  movements  of  the 
Court  of  St  Germains,  and  thus,  unintentionally,  false 
intelligence  was  forwarded  to  England  as  from  good  author- 
ity. It  hardly  need  be  observed,  that,  in  a  very  short  time, 
Ramsay  had  gained  the  entire  confidence  of  his  host,  and 
we  may  add  also,  of  his  host's  daughter ;  but  we  must 
leave  him  for  the  present  to  follow  up  his  plans,  whatever 
they  may  be,  and  return  to  the  personages  more 
immediately  connected  with  this  narrative. 


The  Dog  Fiend  215 


Chapter  XXIX 

In  which  Jemmy  Ducks  proves  the  truth  of  Moggy's  assertion,  that  there 
was  no  one  like  him  before  or  since — Nancy  and  Jemmy  serenade  the 
stars. 

As  soon  as  Moggy  landed  at  the  Point  with  her  dear  darling 
duck  of  a  husband,  as  she  called  him,  she  put  his  chest  and 
hammock  on  a  barrow  and  had  them  wheeled  up  to  her 
own  lodgings,  and  then  they  went  out  to  call  upon  Nancy 
Corbett  to  make  their  future  arrangements ;  Moggy 
proceeding  in  rapid  strides,  and  Jemmy  trotting  with  his 
diminutive  legs  behind  her,  something  like  a  stout  pony  by 
the  side  of  a  large  horse.  It  was  in  pedestrianism  that 
Jemmy  most  felt  his  inferiority,  and  the  protecting,  fond 
way  in  which  Moggy  would  turn  round  every  minute  and 
say,  "  Come  along,  my  duck,"  would  have  been  irritating 
to  any  other  but  one  of  Jemmy's  excellent  temper.  Many 
looked  at  Jemmy,  as  he  waddled  along,  smiled  and  passed 
on  ;  one  unfortunate  nymph,^however,  ventured  to  stop,  and 
putting  her  arms  a-kimbo,  looked  down  upon  him  and 
exclaimed,  "Veil!  you  are  a  nice  little  man,"  and  then 
commenced  singing  the  old  refrain — 

"  I  had  a  little  husband  no  bigger  than  my  thumb, 
I  put  him  in  a  pint  pot,  and  there  I  bid  him  drum  :  " 

when  Moggy,  who  had  turned  back,  saluted  her  with  such 
a  box  on  the  ear,  that  she  made  the  drum  of  it  ring  again. 
The  young  lady  was  not  one  of  those  who  would  offer  the 
other  cheek  to  be  smitten,  and  she  immediately  flew  at 
Moggy  and  returned  the  blow ;  but  Jemmy,  who  liked 
quiet,  caught  her  round  the  legs,  and,  as  if  she  had  been  a 
feather,  threw  her  over  his  head,  so  that  she  fell  down  in  the 
gutter  behind  him  with  a  violence  which  was  anything  but 
agreeable.  She  gained  her  legs  again,  looked  at  her  soiled 
garments,  scraped  the  mud  off  her  cheek — we  are  sorry  to 
add,  made  use  of  some  very  improper  language,  and  finding 


2i6  Snarleyyow;  or, 

herself  in  the  minority,  walked  off,  turning  round  and 
shaking  her  fist  at  every  twenty  paces. 

Moggy  and  her  husband  continued  their  course  as  if 
nothing  had  happened,  and  arrived  at  the  house  of  Nancy 
Corbett,  who  had,  as  may  be  supposed,  changed  her 
lodgings  and  kept  out  of  sight  of  Vanslyperken.  Nancy 
was  no  stranger  to  Jemmy  Ducks ;  so  far  as  his  person 
went  he  was  too  remarkable  a  character  not  to  be  known 
by  her  who  knew  almost  everybody ;  and,  moreover,  she 
had  made  sufficient  inquiries  about  his  character.  The 
trio  at  once  proceeded  to  business :  Jemmy  had  promised 
his  wife  to  join  the  smugglers,  and  it  was  now  arranged, 
that  both  he  and  his  wife  should  be  regularly  enlisted  in 
the  gang,  she  to  remain  at  the  cave  with  the  women, 
unless  her  services  were  required  elsewhere,  he  to  belong 
to  the  boat.  There  was,  however,  one  necessary  pre- 
liminary still  to  be  taken,  that  of  Jemmy  and  his  wife  both 
taking  the  oath  of  fidelity  at  the  house  of  the  Jew  Lazarus ; 
but  it  was  not  advisable  to  go  there  before  dusk,  so  they 
remained  with  Nancy  till  that  time,  during  which  she  was 
fully  satisfied  that,  in  both  parties,  the  band  would  have 
an  acquisition,  for  Nancy  was  very  keen  and  penetrating, 
and  had  a  great  insight  into  human  nature. 

At  dusk,  to  the  house  of  Lazarus  they  accordingly 
repaired,  and  were  admitted  by  the  cautious  Jew.  Nancy 
stated  why  they  had  come,  and  there  being,  at  the  time, 
several  of  the  confederates,  as  usual,  in  the  house,  they 
were  summoned  by  the  Jew  to  be  witnesses  to  the  oath 
being  administered.  Half-a-dozen  dark-looking,  bold 
men  soon  made  their  appearance,  and  recognised  Nancy 
by  nods  of  their  heads. 

"Who  have  we  here,  old  Father  Abraham?"  exclaimed 
a  stout  man,  who  was  dressed  in  a  buff  jerkin  and  a  pair 
of  boots  which  rose  above  his  knees. 

"  A  good  man  and  true,"  replied  Nancy,  taking  up  the 
answer. 

"  Why,  you  don't  call  that  thing  a  man !  "  exclaimed 
the  fierce-looking  confederate  with  contempt. 


The  Dog  Fiend  217 

"  As  good  a  man  as  ever  stood  in  your  boots,"  replied 
Moggy  in  wrath. 

"  Indeed :  well,  perhaps  so,  if  he  could  only  see  his 
way  when  once  into  them,"  replied  the  man  with  a  loud 
laugh,  in  which  he  was  joined  by  his  companions. 

"  What  can  you  do,  my  little  man  ? "  said  another  of 
a  slighter  build  than  the  first,  coming  forward  and  putting 
his  hand  upon  Jemmy's  head. 

Now  Jemmy  was  the  best-tempered  fellow  in  the  world, 
but,  at  the  same  time,  the  very  best-tempered  people  have 
limits  to  their  forbearance,  and  do  not  like  to  be  taken 
liberties  with  by  strangers :  so  felt  Jemmy,  who,  seizing 
the  young  man  firmly  by  the  waistband  of  his  trousers 
just  below  the  hips,  lifted  him  from  the  ground,  and  with 
a  strength  which  astonished  all  present,  threw  him  clean 
over  the  table,  his  body  sweeping  away  both  the  candles, 
so  they  were  all  left  in  darkness. 

**  I  can  douse  a  glim  anyhow,"  cried  Jemmy. 

"That's  my  darling  duck,"  cried  Moggy,  delighted  with 
this  proof  of  her  husband's  vigour. 

Some  confusion  was  created  by  this  manoeuvre  on  the 
part  of  Jemmy,  but  candles  were  reproduced,  and  the 
first  man  who  spoke,  feeling  as  if  this  victory  on  the  part 
of  Jemmy  was  a  rebuke  to  himself,  again  commenced  his 
interrogations. 

"  Well,  my  little  man,  you  are  strong  in  the  arms,  but 
what  will  you  do  without  legs  ? " 

"  Not  run  away,  as  you  have  done  a  hundred  times," 
replied  Jemmy,  scornfully. 

"  Now  by  the  God  of  War  you  shall  answer  for  this," 
replied  the  man,  catching  hold  of  Jemmy  by  the  collar ; 
but  in  a  moment  he  was  tripped  up  by  Jemmy,  and  fell 
down  with  great  violence  on  his  back. 

**  Bravo,  bravo ! "  exclaimed  the  rest,  who  took  part 
with  Jemmy. 

**  That's  my  own  little  duck,"  cried  Moggy  j  "  you've 
shown  him  what  you  can  do,  anyhow." 

The   man   rose,  and  was   apparently   feeling  for  some 


21 8  Snarleyyow;  or, 

arms  secreted  about  his  person,  when  Nancy  Corbett 
stepped  forward. 

"Do  you  dare?"   cried    she;    "take  what   you   have 

received,  and  be  thankful,  or '*  and  Nancy  held  up 

her  little  forefinger. 

The  man  slunk  back  among  the  others  in  silence.  The 
old  Jew,  who  had  not  interfered,  being  in  presence  of 
Nancy,  who  had  superior  commands,  now  read  the  oath, 
which  was  of  a  nature  not  to  be  communicated  to  the 
reader  without  creating  disgust.  It  was,  however,  such 
an  oath  as  was  taken  in  those  times,  and  has  since  been 
frequently  taken  in  Ireland.  It  was  subscribed  to  by 
Jemmy  and  his  wife  without  hesitation,  and  they  were 
immediately  enrolled  among  the  members  of  the  association. 
As  soon  as  this  ceremony  had  been  gone  through,  Nancy 
and  her  proteges  quitted  the  house  and  returned  to  her 
lodgings,  when  it  was  agreed  that  the  next  night  they 
should  go  over  to  the  island,  as  Jemmy's  services  were 
required  in  the  boat  in  lieu  of  Ramsay,  whose  place  as 
steersman  he  was  admirably  qualified  to  occupy,  much 
better,  indeed,  than  that  of  a  rower,  as  his  legs  were 
too  short  to  reach  the  stretcher,  where  it  was  usually 
fixed. 

The  next  evening  the  weather  was  calm  and  clear,  and 
when  they  embarked  in  the  boat  of  the  old  fisherman, 
with  but  a  small  portion  of  their  effects,  the  surface  of 
the  water  was  unruffled,  and  the  stars  twinkled  brightly 
in  the  heavens ;  one  article  which  Jemmy  never  parted 
with,  was  in  his  hand,  his  fiddle.  They  all  took  their 
seats,  and  the  old  fisherman  shoved  off  his  boat,  and 
they  were  soon  swept  out  of  the  harbour  by  the  strong 
ebb  tide. 

"  An't  this  better  than  being  on  board  with  Vansly- 
perken,  and  your  leave  stopped  ?  "  observed  Moggy. 

**  Yes,"  replied  the  husband. 

'*  And  I  not  permitted  to  go  on  board  to  see  my  duck  of 
a  husband — confound  his  snivelling  carcass  ?  "  continued 
Moggy. 


The  Dog  Fiend  219 

"  Yes,"  replied  Jemmy,  thoughtfully. 

"  And  in  company  with  that  supernatual  cur  of  his  ? " 

Jemmy  nodded  his  head,  and  then  in  his  abstraction 
touched  the  strings  of  his  violin. 

"  They  say  that  you  are  clever  with  your  instrument, 
Mr  Salisbury,"  observed  Nancy  Corbett. 

"  That  he  is,"  replied  Moggy ;  "  and  he  sings  like  a 
darling  duck.     Don't  you,  Jemmy,  my  dear  ? " 

"  Quack,  quack,"  replied  Jemmy. 

"  Well,  Mr  Salisbury,  there's  no  boat  that  I  can  see 
near  us,  or  even  in  sight ;  and  if  there  was  it  were  little 
matter.  I  suppose  you  will  let  me  hear  you,  for  I  shall 
have  little  opportunity  after  this  ?  " 

"  With  all  my  heart,"  replied  Jemmy ;  who,  taking  up 
his  fiddle,  and  playing  upon  the  strings  like  a  guitar,  after 
a  little  reflection,  sang  as  follows  : 

Bless  my  eyes,  how  young  Bill  threw  his  shiners  away, 

As  he  drank  and  he  danced,  when  he  first  came  on  shore! 
It  was  clear  that  he  fancied  that  with  his  year's  pay, 

Like  the  Bank  of  Old  England,  he'd  never  be  poor. 
So  when  the  next  day,  with  a  southerly  wind  in 

His  pockets,  he  came  up,  my  rhino  to  borrow  ; 
"  You're  welcome,"  says  I,  "  Bill,  as  I  forked  out  the  tin, 

But  when  larking  to-day — don't  forget  therms  to-morroiv  " 

When  our  frigate  came  to  from  a  cruise  in  the  west, 

And  her  yards  were  all  squared,  her  sails  neatly  furled. 
Young  Tom  clasped  his  Nancy,  so  loved,  to  his  breast, 

As  if  but  themselves  there  was  none  in  the  world. 
Between  two  of  the  guns  they  were  fondly  at  play. 

All  billing  and  kissing,  forgetting  all  sorrow  ; 
'*  Love,  like  cash,"  says  I,  "  Nan,  may  all  go  in  a  day, 

While  you  hug  him  so  close — dorCt  forget  there  s  to-morrotvy 

When  a  hurricane  swept  us  smack  smooth  fore  and  aft, 

When  we  dashed  on  the  rock,  and  we  floundered  on  shore. 
As  we  sighed  for  the  loss  of  our  beautiful  craft. 

Convinced  that  the  like  we  should  never  see  more, 
Says  I,  "  My  good  fellows,"  as  huddled  together, 

They  shivered  and  shook,  each  phiz  black  with  sorrow, 
"  Remember,  it's  not  to  be  always  foul  weather, 

So  with  ill-luck  to-day — dor^t  forget  there's  to-morroiv  t  " 

*'  And  not   a  bad  hint,  neither,  Mr   Salisbury,"   said 


220  Snarleyyow;  or, 

Nancy,  when  Jemmy  ceased.  **  You  sailors  never  think 
of  to-morrow,  more's  the  pity.  You're  no  better  than 
overgrown  babies." 

**  I'm  not  much  better,  at  all  events,"  replied  Jemmy, 
laughing :  "  however,  I'm  as  God  made  me,  and  so  all's 
right." 

**  That's  my  own  darling  Jemmy,"  said  Moggy ;  "  and 
if  you're  content,  and  I'm  content,  who  is  to  say  a  word,  I 
should  like  to  know  ?  You  may  be  a  rum  one  to  look  at, 
but  I  think  them  fellows  found  you  but  a  rum  customer 
the  other  night." 

"  Don't  put  so  much  rum  in  your  discourse.  Moggy,  you 
make  me  long  for  a  glass  of  grog." 

"  Then  your  mouth  will  find  the  water,"  rejoined  Nancy; 
"  but,  however,  singing  is  dry  work,  and  I  am  provided. 
Pass  my  basket  aft,  old  gentleman,  and  we  will  find  Mr 
Salisbury  something  with  which  to  whet  his  whistle." 
The  boatman  handed  the  basket  to  Nancy,  who  pulled  out 
a  bottle  and  glass,  which  she  filled,  and  handed  to  Jemmy. 

"Now,  Mr  Salisbury,  I  expect  some  more  songs,"  said 
Nancy. 

"  And  you  shall  have  them,  mistress ;  but  I've  heard 
say  that  you've  a  good  pipe  of  your  own;  suppose  that 
you  give  me  one  in  return,  that  will  be  but  fair  play." 

"  Not  exactly,  for  you'll  have  the  grog  in  the  bargain," 
replied  Nancy. 

"Put  my  fiddle  against  the  grog,  and  then  all's 
square." 

"I  have  not  sung  for  many  a  day,"  replied  Nancy, 
musing,  and  looking  up  at  the  bright  twinkling  stars.  "  I 
once  sang,  when  I  was  young — and  happy — I  then  sang 
all  the  day  long ;  that  was  really  singing,  for  it  came  from 
the  merriness  of  my  heart ; "  and  Nancy  paused.  "  Yes,  I 
have  sung  since,  and  often,  for  they  made  me  sing ;  but 
'twas  when  my  heart  was  heavy — or  when  its  load  had 
been,  for  a  time,  forgotten  and  drowned  in  wine.  That 
was  not  singing,  at  least  not  the  singing  of  bygone  days." 

"But   those  times  are  bygone  too,   Mistress  Nancy," 


The  Dog  Fiend  221 

said  Moggy ;  "  you  have  now  your  marriage  lines,  and  are 
made  an  honest  woman." 

"  Yes,  and  God  keep  me  so,  amen,"  replied  Nancy 
mournfully. 

Had  not  the  night  concealed  it,  a  tear  might  have  been 
seen  by  the  others  in  the  boat  to  trickle  down  the  cheek  of 
Nancy  Corbett,  as  she  was  reminded  of  her  former  life ; 
and  as  she  again  fixed  her  eyes  upon  the  brilliant  heavens, 
each  particular  star  appeared  to  twinkle  brighter,  as  if  they 
rejoiced  to  witness  tears  like  those. 

**You  must  be  light  o'  heart  now,  Mistress  Nancy," 
observed  Jemmy,  soothingly. 

"I  am  not  unhappy,"  replied  she,  resting  her  cheek 
upon  her  hand. 

**  Mistress  Nancy,"  said  Moggy,  "  I  should  think  a  little 
of  that  stuff  would  do  neither  of  us  any  harm ;  the  night 
is  rather  bleak." 

Moggy  poured  out  a  glass  and  handed  it  to  Nancy  ;  she 
drank  it,  and  it  saved  her  from  a  flood  of  tears,  which 
otherwise  she  would  have  been  unable  to  repress.  In  a 
minute  or  two,  during  which  Moggy  helped  herself  and 
the  old  boatman,  Nancy's  spirits  returned. 

"Do  you  know  this  air  ?"  said  Nancy  to  Jemmy,  hum- 
ming it. 

*'  Yes,  yes,  I  know  it  well.  Mistress  Nancy.  Will  you 
sing  to  it  ? " 

Nancy  Corbett  who  had  been  celebrated  once  for  her 
sweet  singing,  as  well  as  her  beauty,  immediately  com- 
menced in  a  soft  and  melodious  tone,  while  Jemmy  touched 
his  fiddle. 

Lost,  stolen,  or  strayed, 
The  heart  of  a  young  maid  ; 
Whoever  the  same  shall  find, 
And  prove  so  very  kind, 
To  yield  it  on  desire, 
They  shall  rewarded  be, 
And  that  most  handsomely, 
"With  kisses  one,  two,  three. 

Cupid  is  the  crier, 

Ring-a-ding,  a-ding, 

Cupid  is  the  crier. 


222  Snarleyyow;  or, 

O  yes  !  O  yes  !  O  yes ! 

Here  is  a  pretty  mess ! 
A  maiden's  heart  is  gone, 
And  she  is  left  forlorn, 
And  panting  with  desire ; 
Whoever  shall  bring  it  me, 
They  shall  rewarded  be, 
With  kisses  one,  two,  three, 

Cupid  is  the  crier, 

Ring-a-ding,  a-ding, 

Cupid  is  the  crier. 

'Twas  lost  on  Sunday  eve, 
Or  taken  without  leave, 
A  virgin's  heart  so  pure, 
She  can't  the  loss  endure, 
And  surely  will  expire ; 
Pity  her  misery. 
Rewarded  you  shall  be, 
With  kisses  one,  two,  three. 

Cupid  is  the  crier, 

Ring-a-ding,  a-ding, 

Cupid  is  the  crier. 

The  maiden  sought  around. 
It  was  not  to  be  found, 
She  searched  each  nook  and  dell, 
The  haunts  she  loved  so  well. 
All  anxious  with  desire; 
The  wind  blew  ope  his  vest. 
When,  lo !  the  toy  in  quest. 
She  found  within  the  breast 

Of  Cupid,  the  false  crier, 

Ring-a-ding,  a-ding-a-ding, 

Cupid  the  false  crier. 

"  Many  thanks,  Mistress  Corbett,  for  a  good  song,  sung 
in  good  tune,  with  a  sweet  voice,"  said  Jemmy.  *'  I  owe 
you  one  for  that,  and  am  ready  to  pay  you  on  demand. 
You've  a  pipe  like  a  missel  thrush." 

"  Well,  I  do  believe  that  I  shall  begin  to  sing  again," 
replied  Nancy.  "  I'm  sure  if  Corbett  was  only  once 
settled  on  shore  in  a  nice  little  cottage,  with  a  garden, 
and  a  blackbird  in  a  wicker  cage,  I  should  try  who  could 
sing  most,  the  bird  or  me." 

"  He  will  be  by-and-bye,  when  his  work  is  done." 


The  Dog  Fiend  223 

**  Yes,  when  it  is ;  but  open  boats,  stormy  seas,  and 
the  halter,  are  heavy  odds,  Mr  Salisbury." 

"  Don't  mention  the  halter.  Mistress  Nancy,  you'll 
make  me  melancholy,"  replied  Jemmy,  "  and  I  sha'n't  be 
able  to  sing  any  more.  Well,  if  they  want  to  hang  me, 
they  need  not  rig  the  yard-arm,  three  handspikes  as 
sheers,  and  I  shouldn't  find  soundings,  heh  !  Moggy  ? " 

Nancy  laughed  at  the  ludicrous  idea;  but  Moggy  ex- 
claimed with  vehemence,  "  Hang  my  Jemmy !  my  darling 
duck  !  I  should  like  to  see  them." 

"  At  all  events,  we'll  have  another  song  from  him. 
Moggy,  before  they  spoil  his  windpipe,  which,  I  must 
say,  would  be  a  great  pity  ;  but  Moggy,  there  have  been 
better  men  hung  than  your  husband." 

**  Better  men  than  my  Jemmy,  Mrs  Corbett !  There 
never  was  one  like  him  afore  or  since  ; "  replied  Moggy, 
with  indignation. 

"  I  only  meant  of  longer  pedigree.  Moggy,"  replied 
Nancy  soothingly. 

"I  don't  know  what  that  is,"  replied  Moggy,  still 
angry. 

**  Longer  legs,  to  be  sure,"  replied  Jemmy.  "  Never 
mind  that.  Moggy.  Here  goes,  a  song  in  two  parts. 
It's  a  pity,  Mistress  Nancy,  that  you  couldn't  take  one." 

"  When  will  you  give  up  this  life  of  wild  roving  ? 
When  shall  we  be  quiet  and  happy  on  shore  ? 
When  will  you  to  church  lead  your  Susan,  so  loving, 
And  sail  on  the  treacherous  billows  no  more  ?  '* 

"  My  ship  is  my  wife,  Sue,  no  other  I  covet, 

Till  I  draw  the  firm  splice  that's  betwixt  her  and  me; 
ril  roam  on  the  ocean,  for  much  do  I  love  it — 
To  wed  with  another  were  rank  bigamy." 

"  O  William,  what  nonsense  you  talk,  you  are  raving ; 
Pray  how  can  a  ship  and  a  man  become  one  ? 
You  say  so  because  you  no  longer  are  craving, 
As  once  you  were  truly — and  I  am  undone." 

"  You  wrong  me,  my  dearest,  as  sure  as  I  stand  here, 
As  sure  as  I'll  sail  again  on  the  wide  sea ; 
Some  day  I  will  settle,  and  marry  with  you,  dear. 
But  now  'twould  be  nothing  but  rank  bigamy." 


224  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"  Then  tell  me  the  time,  dear  William,  whenever 
Your  Sue  may  expect  this  divorce  to  be  made; 
When  you'll  surely  be  mine,  when  no  object  shall  sever, 
But  locked  in  your  arms  I'm  no  longer  afraid." 

"  The  time  it  will  be  when  my  pockets  are  lined, 

I'll  then  draw  the  splice  'tween  my  vessel  and  me, 
And  lead  you  to  church,  if  you're  still  so  inclined — 
But  before,  my  dear  Sue,  'twere  rank  bigamy." 

"  Thank  you,  Mr  Salisbury.  I  like  the  moral  of  that 
song;  a  sailor  never  should  marry  till  he  can  settle  on 
shore." 

**  What*s  the  meaning  of  big-a-me  ? "  said  Moggy. 

"  Marrying  two  husbands  or  two  wives,  Mrs  Salisbury. 
Perhaps  you  might  get  off  on  the  plea  that  you  had  only 
one  and  a  half,"  continued  Nancy,  laughing. 

"  Well,  perhaps  she  might,"  replied  Jemmy,  "  if  he 
were  a  judge  of  understanding." 

"  I  should  think.  Mistress  Nancy,  you  might  as  well 
leave  my  husband's  legs  alone,"  observed  Moggy,  affronted. 

**  Lord  bless  you.  Moggy,  if  he's  not  angry,  you  surely 
should  not  be ;  I  give  a  joke,  and  I  can  take  one.  You 
surely  are  not  jealous  ?  " 

"  Indeed  I  am  though,  and  always  shall  be  of  anyone 
who  plays  with  my  Jemmy." 

"  Or  if  he  plays  with  anything  else  ?  " 

"  Yes,  indeed." 

"  Yes,  indeed  !  then  you  must  be  downright  jealous  of 
his  fiddle,  Moggy,"  replied  Nancy  ;  "  but  never  mind,  you 
sha'n't  be  jealous  now  about  nothing.  I'll  sing  you  a  song, 
and  then  you'll  forget  all  this."  Nancy  Corbett  then  sang 
as  follows : 

Fond  Mary  sat  on  Henry's  knee, 
"  I  must  be  home  exact,"  said  he. 

And  see,  the  hour  is  come." 
*'  No,  Henry,  you  shall  never  go 
Until  me  how  to  count  you  show ; 

That  task  must  first  be  done." 

Then  Harry  said,  "As  time  is  short. 
Addition  you  must  first  be  taught  ;— 
Sum  up  these  kisses  sweet ; 


The  Dog  Fiend  225 

Now  prove  your  sum  by  kissing  me : — 
Yes,  that  is  right,  'twas  three  times  three ; — 
Arithmetic's  a  treat. 

"  And  now  there  is  another  term, 
Subtraction  you  have  yet  to  learn  ; 

Take  four  away  from  these." 
"  Yes,  that  is  right,  you've  made  it  out,*' 
Says  Mary,  with  a  pretty  pout, 

"  Subtraction  don't  me  please." 

Division's  next  upon  the  list ; 

Young  Henry  taught  while  Mary  kissed, 

And  much  admired  the  rule  ; 
"  Now,  Henry,  don't  you  think  me  quick  ?  " 
"  Why,  yes,  indeed,  you've  learned  the  trick  j 

At  kissing  you're  no  fool." 

To  multiply  was  next  the  game, 
Which  Henry  by  the  method  same, 

To  Mary  fain  would  show  ; 
But  here  his  patience  was  worn  out, 
She  multiplied  too  fast  I  doubt, 

He  could  no  farther  go. 

"  And  now  we  must  leave  off,  my  dear ; 
The  other  rules  are  not  so  clear, 

We'll  try  at  them  to-night ; " 
"  I'll  come  at  eve,  my  Henry  sweet ; 
Behind  the  hawthorn  hedge  we'll  meet. 

For  learning's  my  delight." 

**  That's  a  very  pretty  song,  Mistress  Corbett,  and 
you've  a  nice  collection,  I've  no  doubt.  If  you've  no 
objection,  I'll  exchange  another  with  you." 

**  I  should  be  most  willing,  Mr  Salisbury ;  but  we  are 
now  getting  well  over,  and  we  may  as  well  be  quiet,  as  I 
do  not  wish  people  to  ask  where  we  are  going." 

"  You're  right,  ma'am,"  observed  the  old  fisherman, 
who  pulled  the  boat.  "  Put  up  your  fiddle,  master ;  there 
be  plenty  on  the  look  out,  without  our  giving  them 
notice." 

" Very  true,"  replied  Jemmy,  "so  we  break  up  our 
concert." 

The  whole  party  were  now  silent.  In  a  quarter  of  an 
hour  the  boat  was  run  into  a  cut,  which  concealed  it  from 
s  p 


226  Snarleyyow;  or, 

view ;  and,  as  soon  as  the  fisherman  had  looked  round  to 
see  the  coast  clear,  they  landed  and  made  haste  to  pass  by 
the  cottages;  after  that  Nancy  slackened  her  pace,  and 
they  walked  during  the  night  over  to  the  other  side  of  the 
island,  and  arrived  at  the  cottages  above  the  cave* 

Here  they  left  a  portion  of  their  burdens  and  then  pro- 
ceeded to  the  path  down  the  cliff  which  led  to  the  cave. 
On  Nancy  giving  the  signal,  the  ladder  was  lowered,  and 
they  were  admitted.  As  soon  as  they  were  upon  the  flat. 
Moggy  embraced  her  husband,  crying,  "  Here  I  have  you, 
my  own  dear  Jemmy,  all  to  myself,  and  safe  for  ever." 


Chapter  XXX 

In  which  Mr  Vanslyperken  treats  the  ladies. 

On  the  second  day  after  his  arrival,  Vanslyperken,  as 
agreed,  went  up  to  the  syndic's  house  to  call  upon  Ramsay. 
The  latter  paid  him  down  one  hundred  pounds  for  his 
passage  and  services,  and  Vanslyperken  was  so  pleased, 
that  he  thought  seriously,  as  soon  as  he  had  amassed 
sufficient  money,  to  withdraw  himself  from  the  service, 
and  retire  with  his  ill-gotten  gains ;  but  when  would  a 
miser  like  Vanslyperken  have  amassed  sufficient  money  ? 
Alas !  never,  even  if  the  halter  were  half  round  his  neck. 
Ramsay  then  gave  his  instructions  to  Vanslyperken, 
advising  him  to  call  for  letters  previously  to  his  sailing, 
and  telling  him  that  he  must  open  the  government  de- 
spatches in  the  way  to  which  he  had  been  witness,  take  full 
memorandums  of  the  contents,  and  bring  them  to  him,  for 
which  service  he  would  each  time  receive  fifty  pounds  as 
a  remuneration.  Vanslyperken  bowed  to  his  haughty  new 
acquaintance,  and  quitted  the  house. 

**  Yes,"  thought  Ramsay,  "  that  fellow  is  a  low,  con- 
temptible traitor,  and  how  infamous  does  treason  appear 
in  that  wretch  !  but — I — I  am  no  traitor — I  have  forfeited 


The  Dog  Fiend  227 

my  property  and  risked  my  life  in  fidelity  to  my  king,  and 
in  attempting  to  rid  the  world  of  a  usurper  and  a  tyrant. 
Here,  indeed,  I  am  playing  a  traitor's  part  to  my  host,  but 
still  I  am  doing  my  duty.  An  army  without  spies  would 
be  incomplete,  and  one  may  descend  to  that  office  for  the 
good  of  one's  country  without  tarnish  or  disgrace.  Am 
I  not  a  traitor  to  her  already  ?  Have  not  I  formed  visions 
in  my  imagination  already  of  obtaining  her  hand,  and  her 
heart,  and  her  fortune  ?  Is  not  this  treachery  ?  Shall  I 
not  attempt  to  win  her  affections  under  disguise  as  her 
father's  friend  and  partisan  ?  But  what  have  women  to  do 
with  politics  ?  Or  if  they  have,  do  not  they  set  so  light  a 
value  upon  them,  that  they  will  exchange  them  for  a 
feather  ?  Yes,  surely  5  when  they  love,  their  politics  are 
the  politics  of  those  they  cling  to.  At  present,  she  is  on 
her  father's  side  j  but  if  she  leave  her  father  and  cleave  to 
me,  her  politics  will  be  transferred  with  her  affections. 
But  then  her  religion.  She  thinks  me  a  Protestant.  Well, 
love  is  all  in  all  with  women ;  not  only  politics  but  religion 
must  yield  to  it  j  **  thy  people  shall  be  my  people,  and  thy 
God  shall  be  my  God,"  as  Ruth  says  in  the  scriptures.  She 
is  wrong  in  politics,  I  will  put  her  right.  She  is  wrong  in 
religion,  I  will  restore  her  to  the  bosom  of  the  church. 
Her  wealth  would  be  sacrificed  to  some  heretic ;  it  were 
far  better  that  it  belonged  to  one  who  supports  the  true 
religion  and  the  good  cause.  In  what  way,  therefore, 
shall  I  injure  her  ?  On  the  contrary."  And  Ramsay 
walked  down  stairs  to  find  Wilhelmina.  Such  were  the 
arguments  used  by  the  young  cavalier,  and  with  which  he 
fully  satisfied  himself  that  he  was  doing  rightly ;  had  he 
argued  the  other  side  of  the  question,  he  would  have  been 
equally  convinced,  as  most  people  are,  when  they  argue 
without  any  opponent ;  but  we  must  leave  him  to  follow 
Vanslyperken. 

Mr  Vanslyperken  walked  away  from  the  syndic's  house 
with  the  comfortable  idea  that  one  side  of  him  was  heavier 
than  the  other  by  one  hundred  guineas.  He  also  ruminated  ; 
he  had  already  obtained  three  hundred  pounds,  no  small  suin, 


228  Snarleyyow;  or, 

in  those  days,  for  a  lieutenant.  It  is  true  that  he  had  lost 
the  chance  of  thousands  by  the  barking  of  Snarleyyow,  and 
he  had  lost  the  fair  Portsmouth  widow  ;  but  then  he  was 
again  on  good  terms  with  the  Frau  Vandersloosh,  and  was 
in  a  fair  way  of  making  his  fortune,  and,  as  he  considered, 
with  small  risk.  His  mother,  too,  attracted  a  share  of  his 
reminiscences  ;  the  old  woman  would  soon  die,  and  then  he 
would  have  all  that  she  had  saved.  Smallbones  occasionally 
intruded  himself,  but  that  was  but  for  a  moment.  And 
Mr  Vanslyperken  walked  away  very  well  satisfied,  upon 
the  whole,  with  his  esse  and  posse.  He  wound  up  by 
flattering  himself  that  he  should  wind  up  with  the  savings 
of  his  mother,  his  half-pay,  the  widow's  guilders,  and  his 
own  property, — altogether  it  would  be  pretty  comfortable. 
But  we  leave  him  and  return  to  Corporal  Van  Spitter. 

Corporal  Van  Spitter  had  had  wisdom  enough  to  dupe 
Vanslyperken,  and  persuade  him  that  he  was  very  much  in 
love  with  Babette ;  and  Vanslyperken,  who  was  not  at  all 
averse  to  this  amour,  permitted  the  corporal  to  go  on  shore 
and  make  love.  As  Vanslyperken  did  not  like  the  cutter 
and  Snarleyyow  to  be  left  without  the  corporal  or  himself, 
he  always  remained  on  board  when  the  corporal  went,  so 
that  the  widow  had  enough  on  hand — pretending  love  all 
the  morning  with  the  lieutenant,  and  indemnifying  herself 
by  real  love  with  the  corporal  after  dusk.  Her  fat  hand 
was  kissed  and  slobbered  from  morning  to  night,  but  it 
was  half  for  love  and  half  for  revenge. 

But  we  must  leave  the  corporal,  and  return  to  Jemmy 
Ducks.  Jemmy  was  two  days  in  the  cave  before  the 
arrival  of  the  boat,  during  which  he  made  himself  a 
great  favourite,  particularly  with  Lilly,  who  sat  down  and 
listened  to  his  fiddle  and  his  singing.  It  was  a  novelty 
in  the  cave,  anything  like  amusement.  On  the  third  night, 
however.  Sir  R.  Barclay  came  back  from  Cherbourg,  and 
as  he  only  remained  one  hour,  Jemmy  was  hastened  on 
board,  taking  leave  of  his  wife,  but  not  parting  with  his 
fiddle.  He  took  his  berth  as  steersman,  in  lieu  of  Ramsay, 
and  gave  perfect  satisfaction.     The  intelligence  brought 


The  Dog  Fiend  229 

over  by  Sir  Robert  rendered  an  immediate  messenger  to 
Portsmouth  necessary ;  and,  as  it  would  create  less  sus- 
picion, Moggy  was  the  party  now  entrusted  in  lieu  of 
Nancy,  who  had  been  lately  seen  too  often,  and,  it  was 
supposed,  had  been  watched.  Moggy  was  not  sorry  to 
receive  her  instructions,  which  were,  to  remain  at  Ports- 
mouth until  Lazarus  the  Jew  should  give  her  further 
orders  ;  for  there  was  one  point  which  Moggy  was  most 
anxious  to  accomplish,  now  that  she  could  do  it  without 
risking  a  retaliation  upon  her  husband,  which  was,  to  use 
her  own  expression,  to  pay  off  that  snivelling  old  rascal, 
Vanslyperken. 

But  we  must  leave  Moggy  and  the  movements  of 
individuals,  and  return  to  our  general  history.  The  Tung- 
frau  was  detained  a  fortnight  at  Amsterdam,  and  then 
received  the  despatches  of  the  States  General  and  those 
of  Ramsay,  with  which  Vanslyperken  returned  to  Ports- 
mouth. On  his  arrival,  he  went  through  his  usual  routine 
at  the  admiral's  and  the  Jew's,  received  his  douceur,  and 
hastened  to  his  mother's  house,  when  he  found  the  old 
woman,  as  she  constantly  prophesied,  not  dead  yet. 

**  Well,  child,  what  have  you  brought — more  gold  ?  " 

"  Yes,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  laying  down  the  one 
hundred  and  fifty  guineas  which  he  had  received. 

"  Bless  thee,  my  son — bless  thee  !  "  said  the  old  woman, 
laying  her  palsied  hand  upon  Vanslyperken's  head.  "It  is 
not  often  I  bless — I  never  did  bless  as  I  can  recollect — 
I  like  cursing  better.  My  blessing  must  be  worth  some- 
thing, if  it's  only  for  its  scarcity ;  and  do  you  know  why  I 
bless  thee,  my  Cornelius  ?  Because — ha,  ha,  ha  !  because 
you  are  a  murderer  and  a  traitor,  and  you  love  gold." 

Even  Vanslyperken  shuddered  at  the  hag's  address. 

"  What  do  you  ever  gain  by  doing  good  in  this  world  ? 
nothing  but  laughter  and  contempt.  I  began  the  world 
like  a  fool,  but  I  shall  go  out  of  it  like  a  wise  woman, 
hating,  despising  everything  but  gold.  And  I  have  had 
my  revenge  in  my  time — yes — yes — the  world,  my  son,  is 
divided  into  only  two  parts,  those  who  cheat,  and  those 


230  Snarleyyow;  or, 

who  are  cheated — those  who  master,  and  those  who  are 
mastered — those  who  are  shackled  by  superstitions  and 
priests,  and  those  who,  like  me,  fear  neither  God  nor 
devil.     We  must  all  die  ;  yes,  but  I  shan't  die  yet,  no,  no." 

And  Vanslyperken  almost  wished  that  he  could  gain  the 
unbelief  of  the  decrepit  woman  whom  he  called  mother, 
and  who,  on  the  verge  of  eternity,  held  fast  to  such  a 
creed. 

**Well,  mother,  perhaps  it  may  be  you  are  right — I 
never  gained  anything  by  a  good  action  yet." 

Query.  Had  he  ever  done  a  good  action  ? 

"  You're  my  own  child,  I  see,  after  all ;  you  have  my 
blessing,  Cornelius,  my  son — go  and  prosper.  Get  gold 
— get  gold,"  replied  the  old  hag,  taking  up  the  money, 
and  locking  it  up  in  the  oak  chest. 

Vanslyperken  then  narrated  to  his  mother  the  unex- 
pected interview  with  Smallbones,  and  his  surmise  that 
the  lad  was  supernaturally  gifted.  "  Ah,  well,"  replied 
she,  "  those  who  are  born  to  be  hung  will  die  by  no  other 
death ;  but  still  it  does  not  follow  that  they  will  not  die. 
You  shall  have  your  revenge,  my  child.  The  lad  shall 
die.  Try  again  ;  water,  you  say,  rejects  him  ?  Fire  will 
not  harm  him.  There  is  that  which  is  of  the  earth  and  of 
the  air  left.  Try  again,  my  son ;  revenge  is  sweet,  next 
to  gold." 

After  two  hours'  conversation,  it  grew  dark,  and  Van- 
slyperken departed,  revolving  in  his  mind,  as  he  walked 
away,  the  sublime  principles  of  religion  and  piety,  in  the 
excellent  advice  given  by  his  aged  mother.  "  I  wish  I 
could  only  think  as  she  does,"  muttered  Vanslyperken  at 
last ;  and  as  he  concluded  this  devout  wish,  his  arm  was 
touched  by  a  neatly-dressed  little  girl,  who  curtsied,  and 
asked  if  he  was  not  Lieutenant  Vanslyperken,  belonging 
to  the  cutter.  Vanslyperken  replied  in  the  affirmative,  and 
the  little  girl  then  said  that  a  lady,  her  mistress,  wished  to 
speak  to  him. 

"  Your  mistress,  my  little  girl  ? "  said  Vanslyperken, 
suspiciously ;  **  and  pray  who  is  your  mistress  ?  " 


The  Dog  Fiend  231 

**  She  is  a  lady,  sir,"  replied  the  latter ;  "  she  was 
married  to  Major  Williams,  but  he  is  dead." 

"*  Hah  !  a  widow ;  well,  what  does  she  want  ?  I  don't 
know  her." 

"  No,  sir,  and  she  don't  know  you  ;  but  she  told  me 
if  you  did  not  come  at  once,  to  give  you  this  paper  to 
read." 

Vanslyperken  took  the  paper,  and  walking  to  the 
window  of  a  shop  in  which  there  was  a  light,  contrived 
to  decipher  as  follows  : — 

"  Sir, 
"  The  lady  who  lived  in  Castle  Street  has  sent  me  a 
letter,  and  a  parcel,  to  deliver  up  into  your  own  hands,  as 
the  parcel  is  of  value.     The  bearer  of  this  will  bring  you 
to  my  house. 

"  Your  very  obedient, 

"Jane  Williams." 

*^  T-wo  o'clock:' 

"  Where  does  your  mistress  live,  little  girl  ?  "  enquired 
Vanslyperken,  who  immediately  anticipated  the  portrait 
of  the  fair  widow  set  in  diamonds. 

**  She  lives  in  one  of  the  publics  on  the  hard,  sir,  on 
the  first  floor,  while  she  is  furnishing  her  lodgings." 

**  One  of  the  publics  on  the  hard ;  well,  my  little  girl, 
I  will  go  with  you." 

"  I  have  been  looking  for  you  everywhere,  sir,"  said 
the  little  girl,  walking,  or  rather  trotting  by  the  side  of 
Vanslyperken,  who  strided  along. 

**  Did  your  mistress  know  the  lady  who  lived  in  Castle 
Street?" 

"  O  yes,  sir,  my  mistress  then  lived  next  door  to  her 
in  Castle  Street,  but  her  lease  was  out,  and  now  she  has 
a  much  larger  house  in  William  Street,  but  she  is  painting 
and  furnishing  all  so  handsome,  sir,  and  so  now  she  has 
taken  the  first  floor  of  the  *Wheatsheaf'  till  she  can  get 
in  again." 


232  Snarleyyow;  or, 

And  Mr  Vanslyperken  thought  it  would  be  worth  his 
while  to  reconnoitre  this  widow  before  he  closed  with 
the  Frau  Vandersloosh.     How  selfish  men  are ! 

In  a  quarter  of  an  hour  Mr  Vanslyperken  and  the  little 
girl  had  arrived  at  the  public-house  in  question.  Mr 
Vanslyperken  did  not  much  admire  the  exterior  of  the 
building,  but  it  was  too  dark  to  enable  him  to  take  an 
accurate  survey.  It  was,  however,  evident,  that  it  was 
a  pot-house,  and  nothing  more ;  and  Mr  Vanslyperken 
thought  that  lodgings  must  be  very  scarce  in  Portsmouth. 
He  entered  the  first  and  inner  door,  and  the  little  girl 
said  she  would  go  upstairs  and  let  her  mistress  know 
that  he  was  come.  She  ran  up,  leaving  Mr  Vanslyperken 
alone  in  the  dark  passage.  He  waited  for  some  time, 
when  his  naturally  suspicious  temper  made  him  think  he 
had  been  deceived,  and  he  determined  to  wait  outside  of 
the  house,  which  appeared  very  disreputable.  He  there- 
fore retreated  to  the  inner  door  to  open  it,  but  found  it 
fast.  He  tried  it  again  and  again,  but  in  vain,  and  he 
became  alarmed  and  indignant.  Perceiving  a  light  through 
another  keyhole,  he  tried  the  door,  and  it  was  open ;  a 
screen  was  close  to  the  door  as  he  entered,  and  he  could 
not  see  its  occupants.  Mr  Vanslyperken  walked  round, 
and  as  he  did  so,  he  heard  the  door  closed  and  locked. 
He  looked  on  the  other  side  of  the  screen,  and,  to  his 
horror,  found  himself  in  company  with  Moggy  Salisbury, 
and  about  twenty  other  females.  Vanslyperken  made  a 
precipitate  retreat  to  the  door,  but  he  was  met  by  three 
or  four  women,  who  held  him  fast  by  the  arms.  Van- 
slyperken would  have  disgraced  himself  by  drawing  his 
cutlass ;  but  they  were  prepared  for  this,  and  while  two 
of  them  pinioned  his  arms,  one  of  them  drew  his  cutlass 
from  its  sheath,  and  walked  away  with  it.  Two  of  the 
women  contrived  to  hold  his  arms,  while  another  pushed 
him  in  the  rear,  until  he  was  brought  from  behind  the 
screen  into  the  middle  of  the  room,  facing  his  incarnate 
enemy.  Moggy  Salisbury. 

**  Good    evening    to    you,    Mr    Vanslyperken,"   cried 


The  Dog  Fiend  233 

Moggy,  not  rising  from  her  chair.  **  It's  very  kind  of 
you  to  come  and  see  me  in  this  friendly  way — come,  take 
a  chair,  and  give  us  all  the  news." 

**  Mistress  Salisbury,  you  had  better  mind  what  you 
are  about  with  a  king's  officer,"  cried  Vanslyperken, 
turning  more  pale  at  this  mockery,  than  if  he  had  met 
with  abuse.  **  There  are  constables,  and  stocks,  and 
gaols,  and  whipping-posts  on  shore,  as  well  as  the  cat 
on  board." 

"  I  know  all  that,  Mr  Vanslyperken,"  replied  Moggy, 
calmly ;  "  but  that  has  nothing  to  do  with  the  present 
affair :  you  have  come  of  your  own  accord  to  this  house 
to  see  somebody,  that  is  plain,  and  you  have  found  me. 
So  now  do  as  you're  bid,  like  a  polite  man ;  sit  down,  and 
treat  the  ladies.  Ladies,  Mr  Vanslyperken  stands  treat, 
and  please  the  pigs,  we'll  make  a  night  of  it.  What  shall 
it  be  ?  I  mean  to  take  my  share  of  a  bottle  of  Oporto. 
What  will  you  have,  Mrs  Slamkoe  ?  " 

"  I'll  take  a  bowl  of  burnt  brandy,  with  your  leave, 
Mrs  Salisbury,  not  being  very  well  in  my  inside." 

"  And  you,  my  dear  ? " 

'*  O,  punch  for  me — punch  to  the  mast,"  cried  another. 
*'  I'll  drink  enough  to  float  a  jolly-boat.  It's  very  kind 
of  Mr  Vanslyperken." 

All  the  ladies  expressed  their  several  wishes,  and 
Vanslyperken  knew  not  what  to  do;  he  thought  he 
might  as  well  make  an  effort,  for  the  demand  on  his 
purse  he  perceived  would  be  excessive,  and  he  loved  his 
money. 

"  You  may  all  call  for  what  you  please,"  said  Vansly- 
perken, "  but  you'll  pay  for  what  you  call  for.  If  you 
think  that  I  am  to  be  swindled  in  this  way  out  of  my 
money,  you're  mistaken.  Every  soul  of  you  shall  be 
whipped  at  the  cart's  tail  to-morrow." 

*'  Do  you  mean  to  insinuate  that  I  am  not  a  respectable 
person,  sir?"  said  a  fierce-looking  virago,  rubbing  her 
fist  against  Vanslyperken's  nose.     "  Smell  that !  " 

It  was  not  a  nosegay  at  all  to  the  fancy  of  Mr  Vansly- 


2  34  Snarleyyow;  or, 

perken;  he  threw  himself  back,  and  his  chair  fell  with 
him.  The  ladies  laughed,  and  Mr  Vanslyperken  rose  in 
great  wrath. 

"  By  all  the  devils  in  hell,"  he  exclaimed,  whirling  the 
chair  round  his  head,  "  but  I'll  do  you  a  mischief  I  " 

But  he  was  soon  pinioned  from  behind. 

"This  is  very  unpolite  conduct,"  said  one;  "you  call 
yourself  a  gentleman  ? " 

"  What  shall  we  do,  ladies  ? " 

**  Do,"  replied  another ;  "  let's  strip  him,  and  pawn  his 
clothes,  and  then  turn  him  adrift." 

**  Well,  that's  not  a  bad  notion,"  replied  the  others,  and 
they  forthwith  proceeded  to  take  off  Mr  Vanslyperken's 
coat  and  waistcoat.  How  much  further  they  would  have 
gone  it  is  impossible  to  say,  for  Mr  Vanslyperken  had 
made  up  his  mind  to  buy  himself  off  as  cheap  as  he  could. 

Be  it  observed,  that  Moggy  never  interfered,  nor  took 
any  part  in  this  violence;  on  the  contrary,  she  continued 
sitting  in  her  chair,  and  said,  "Indeed,  ladies,  I  request 
you  will  not  be  so  violent,  Mr  Vanslyperken  is  my  friend. 
I  am  sorry  that  he  will  not  treat  you ;  but  if  he  will  not,  I 
beg  you  will  allow  him  to  go  away." 

"There,  you  hear,"  cried  Mr  Vanslyperken;  "Mrs 
Salisbury,  am  I  at  liberty  to  depart  ?  " 

"  Most  certainly,  Mr  Vanslyperken ;  you  have  my  full 
permission.     Ladies,  I  beg  that  you  will  let  him  go." 

"  No,  by  the  living  jingo !  not  till  he  treats  us,"  cried 
one  of  the  women ;  "  why  did  he  come  into  this  shop, 
but  for  nothing  else  ?     I'll  have  my  punch  afore  he  starts.'* 

"  And  I  my  burnt  brandy."  So  cried  they  all,  and  Mr 
Vanslyperken,  whose  coat  and  waistcoat  were  already  off, 
and  finding  many  fingers  very  busy  about  the  rest  of  his 
person,  perceived  that  Moggy's  neutrality  was  all  a  sham, 
so  he  begged  to  be  heard. 

"Ladies,  I'll  do  anything  in  reason.  As  far  as  Eve 
shillings " 

"  Five  shillings  !  "  exclaimed  the  woman ;  "no,  no — 
why,  a  foremast  man  would  come  down  with  more  than 


The  Dog  Fiend  235 

that.  And  you  a  lieutenant  ?  Five  guineas,  now,  would 
be  saying  something." 

"  Five  guineas  !  why  I  have  not  so  much  money.  Upon 
my  soul  I  hav'n't." 

**  Let  us  see,"  said  one  of  the  party,  diving  like  an  adept 
into  Vanslyperken*s  trousers-pocket,  and  pulling  out  his 
purse.  The  money  was  poured  out  on  the  table,  and 
twelve  guineas  counted  out. 

"  Then  whose  money  is  this  ?  "  cried  the  woman ;  "  not 
yours  on  your  soul;  have  you  been  taking  a  purse  to- 
night ?     I  vote  we  sends  for  a  constable." 

"I  quite  forgot  that  I  had  put  more  money  in  my 
purse,"  muttered  Vanslyperken,  who  never  expected  to 
see  it  again.  **  Til  treat  you,  ladies — treat  you  all  to 
whatever  you  please." 

"  Bravo !  that's  spoken  like  a  man,"  cried  the  virago, 
giving  Vanslyperken  a  slap  on  the  back  which  knocked 
the  breath  out  of  his  body. 

"  Bravo  !  "  exclaimed  another,  **  that's  what  I  call  hand- 
some ;  let's  all  kiss  him,  ladies." 

Vanslyperken  was  forced  to  go  through  this  ordeal,  and 
then  the  door  was  unlocked,  but  carefully  guarded,  while 
the  several  orders  were  given. 

**Who  is  to  pay  for  all  this  ? "  exclaimed  the  landlady. 

**  This  gentleman  treats  us  all,"  replied  the  woman. 

"  Oh  !  very  well — is  it  all  right,  sir  ? " 

Vanslyperken  dared  not  say  no ;  he  was  in  their  power, 
and  every  eye  watched  him  as  he  gave  his  answer ;  so  he 
stammered  out  "  Yes,"  and,  in  a  fit  of  despair  at  the  loss 
of  his  money,  he  threw  himself  into  his  chair,  and  medi- 
tated revenge. 

"  Give  Mr  Vanslyperken  his  purse,  Susan,"  said  the 
prudent  Moggy  to  the  young  woman  who  had  taken  it  out 
of  his  pocket. 

The  purse  was  returned,  and,  in  a  few  minutes,  the 
various  liquors  and  mixtures  demanded  made  their  appear- 
ance, and  the  jollification  commenced.  Every  one  was 
soon  quite  happy,  with  the  exception  of  Mr  Vanslyperken, 


2^6  Snarleyyow;  or, 

who,  like  Pistol,  ate  his  leek,  swearing  in  his  own  mind  he 
would  be  horribly  revenged. 

"Mr  Vanslyperken,  you  must  drink  my  health  in  some 
of  this  punch."  Vanslyperken  compressed  his  lips,  and 
shook  his  head.  **  I  say  yes,  Mr  Vanslyperken,"  cried  the 
virago,  looking  daggers ;  "if  you  don't,  we  quarrel — 
that's  all." 

But  Vanslyperken  argued  in  his  mind  that  his  grounds 
of  complaint  would  be  weakened,  if  he  partook  of  the 
refreshment  which  he  had  been  forced  to  pay  for,  so  he 
resolutely  denied. 

"Von't  you  listen  to  my  harguments,  Mr  Vansly- 
perken?" continued  the  woman.  "Veil,  then,  I  must 
resort  to  the  last,  which  I  never  knew  fail  yet."  The 
woman  went  to  the  fire  and  pulled  out  the  poker,  which 
was  red  hot,  from  between  the  bars.  "Now  then,  my 
beauty,  you  must  kiss  this,  or  drink  some  punch  5 "  and 
she  advanced  it  towards  his  nose,  while  three  or  four 
others  held  him  fast  on  his  chair  behind ;  the  poker, 
throwing  out  a  glow  of  heat,  was  within  an  inch  of  the 
poor  lieutenant's  nose :  he  could  stand  it  no  more,  his  face 
and  eyes  were  scorched. 

"  Yes,  yes,"  cried  he  at  last,  "  if  I  must  drink,  then,  I 
will.  We  will  settle  this  matter  by-and-bye,"  cried  Vansly- 
perken, pouring  down  with  indignation  the  proffered  glass. 

"  Now,  Susan,  don't  ill-treat  Mr  Vanslyperken :  I 
purtest  against  all  ill-treatment." 

"  Ill-treat,  Mrs  Salisbury  !  I  am  only  giving  him  a  lesson 
in  purliteness." 

"  Now,  Mr  What-the-devil's-your-name,  you  must  drink 
off  a  glass  of  my  burnt  brandy,  or  I  shall  be  jealous,"  cried 
another ;  "  and  when  I  am  jealous  I  always  takes  to  red- 
hot  pokers."  Resistance  was  in  vain,  the  poker  was  again 
taken  from  between  the  bars,  and  the  burnt  brandy  went 
down. 

Again  and  again  was  Mr  Vanslyperken  forced  to  pour 
down  his  throat  all  that  was  offered  to  him,  or  take  the 
chance  of  having  his  nose  burnt  off. 


The  Dog  Fiend  237 

"Is  it  not  wrong  to  mix  your  liquors  in  this  way,  Mr 
Vanslyperken  ? "  said  Moggy,  in  bitter  mockery. 

The  first  allowance  brought  in  was  now  despatched, 
and  the  bell  rung,  and  double  as  much  more  ordered,  to 
Vanslyperken's  great  annoyance ;  but  he  was  in  the  hands 
of  the  Philistines.  What  made  the  matter  worse,  was, 
that  the  company  grew  every  moment  more  uproarious, 
and  there  was  no  saying  when  they  would  stop. 

"A  song — a  song — a  song  from  Mr  Vanslyperken,** 
cried  one  of  the  party. 

"  Hurrah !  yes,  a  song  from  the  jolly  lieutenant." 

"  I  can't  sing,"  replied  Vanslyperken. 

**  You  shall  sing,  by  the  piper  who  played  before 
Moses,"  said  the  virago ;  "  if  not,  you  shall  sing  out  to  some 
purpose  ; "  and  the  red-hot  poker  was  again  brandished  in 
her  masculine  fist,  and  she  advanced  to  him,  saying, 
"  suppose  we  hargue  that  point  ?  " 

**  Would  you  murder  me,  woman  ? " 

**  No ;  singing  is  no  murder,  but  we  ax  a  song,  and  a 
song  we  must  have." 

"I  don't  know  one — upon  my  honour  I  don't,"  cried 
Vanslyperken. 

*'  Then,  we'll  larn  you.     And  now  you  repeat  after  me." 

"  *  Poll  put  her  arms  a-kimbo.'  Sing — come,  out  with 
it."     And  the  poker  was  again  advanced. 

* '  O  God  ! "  cried  Vanslyperken. 

"Sing,  or  by  Heavens  I'll  shorten  your  nose  I  Sing,  I 
say,"  repeated  the  woman,  advancing  the  poker  so  as 
actually  to  singe  the  skin. 

"Take  it  away,  and  I  will,"  cried  Vanslyperken, 
breathless. 

"  Well  then,  '  Poll  put  her  arms  a-kimbo.' " 

"  *  Poll  put  her  arms  a-kimbo,' "  repeated  Vanslyperken. 

"  That's  saying,  not  singing,"  cried  the  woman.  "  Now 
again.     *  At  the  admiral's  house  looked  she.' " 

"  *At  the  admiral's  house  looked  she,'"  replied  Vansly- 
perken, in  a  whining  tone. 

Thus,  with   the  poker   staring  him  in  the  face,  was 


238  Snarleyyow;  or, 

Vanslyperken  made  to  repeat  the  very  song  for  singing 
which  he  would  have  flogged  Jemmy  Ducks.  There  was, 
however,  a  desperate  attempt  to  avoid  the  last  stanza. 

"  ril  give  you  a  bit  of  my  mind,  old  boy, 
Port  Admiral,  you  be 


Nothing  but  the  tip  of  his  nose  actually  burnt  would 
have  produced  these  last  words  ;  but  fear  overcame  him, 
and  at  last  they  were  repeated.  Upon  which  all  the 
women  shouted  and  shrieked  with  laughter,  except  Moggy, 
who  continued  sipping  her  port  wine. 
3~  **  Your  good  health,  Mr  Vanslyperken,"  said  Moggy, 
drinking  to  him. 

Vanslyperken  wiped  the  perspiration  off  his  forehead, 
and  made  no  reply. 

"You  call  yourself  a  gentleman,  and  not  drink  the 
health  of  the  lady  of  the  house  ! "  cried  virago  Mrs 
Slamkoe.     "  Fll  hargue  this  point  with  you  again." 

The  same  never-failing  argument  was  used,  and  Mr 
Vanslyperken  drank  Mrs  Salisbury's  health  in  a  glass  of 
the  port  wine  which  he  was  to  have  the  pleasure  of 
paying  for. 

"  I  must  say,  Mr  Vanslyperken,"  said  Moggy,  "  it  was 
very  hard  for  to  wish  to  flog  my  poor  Jemmy  for  singing 
a  song  which  you  have  just  now  been  singing  yourself." 

"  Did  he  want  to  flog  your  Jemmy  for  that  ?  " 

"  Yes,  he  did  indeed,  ladies." 

"  Then  as  sure  as  I  stand  here,  and  may  this  punch  be 
my  poison,  if  he  sha'n't  beg  your  pardon  on  his  knees. 
Sha'n't  he,  girls  ? "  cried  Mrs  Slamkoe. 

**  Yes,  yes,  that  he  shall,  or  we'll  poke  him  with 
the  poker." 

This  was  a  dreadful  threat,  but  the  indignity  was  so 
great,  that  Vanslyperken  attempted  to  resist.  It  was, 
however,  in  vain ;  he  was  forced  to  go  on  his  knees,  and 
ask  Mrs  Salisbury's  pardon. 

"  Indeed,  ladies,  I  do  not  wish  it,"  said  Moggy  j  **  no. 


The  Dog  Fiend  239 

pray  don't.  Well,  Mr  Vanslyperken,  pardon  granted  -,  so 
now  kiss  and  make  friends." 

Mr  Vanslyperken,  surrounded  now  by  furies  rather 
than  Bacchanalians,  kissed  Mrs  Salisbury. 

"What  in  the  world  would  you  have  me  do,  you 
she-devils  ?  "  cried  he  at  last,  driven  to  desperation. 

**  This  is  language  for  a  gentleman,"  said  Mrs  Slamkoe. 

**  They  shall  make  you  do  nothing  more,"  replied 
Moggy.  "I  must  retire,  ladies,  your  freak's  up.  You 
know  I  never  keep  late  hours.  Ladies,  I  wish  you  all  a 
very  good-night." 

"  Perhaps,  Mr  Vanslyperken,  you  would  wish  to  go. 
I'll  send  for  the  woman  of  the  house  that  you  may  settle 
the  bill ;  I  think  you  offered  to  treat  the  company  ?  " 

Vanslyperken  grinned  ghastly.  The  bell  was  rung,  and 
while  Mr  Vanslyperken  was  pulling  out  the  sum  demanded 
by  the  landlady,  the  ladies  all  disappeared. 

Vanslyperken  put  up  his  diminished  purse.  **  There  is 
your  sword,  Mr  Vanslyperken,"  said  Moggy;  who, 
during  the  whole  of  the  scene,  had  kept  up  a  retenue  very 
different  from  her  usual  manners. 

Vanslyperken  took  his  sword,  and  appeared  to  feel  his 
courage  return — why  not  ?  he  was  armed,  and  in  company 
with  only  one  woman,  and  he  sought  revenge. 

He  rang  the  bell,  and  the  landlady  appeared. 

"  Landlady,"  cried  Vanslyperken,  "  you'll  send  for  a 
constable  directly.  Obey  me,  or  I'll  put  you  down  as  a 
party  to  the  robbery  which  has  been  committed.  I  say,  a 
constable  immediately.  Refuse  on  your  peril,  woman; 
a  king's  officer  has  been  robbed  and  ill-treated." 

"  Lauk-a-mercy  !  a  constable,  sir  ?  I'm  sure  you've  had 
^  very  pleasant  jollification." 

"  Silence,  woman ;  send  for  a  constable  immediately." 

**  Do  you  hear,  Mrs  Wilcox  ? "  said  Moggy,  very 
quietly,  **  Mr  Vanslyperken  wants  a  constable.  Send  for 
one  by  all  means." 

"  Oh !  certainly,  ma'am,  if  you  wish  it,"  said  the 
landlady,  quitting  the  room. 


240  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"  Yes,  you  infamous  woman,  I'll  teach  you  to  rob  and 
ill-treat  people  in  this  way." 

"  Mercy  on  me !  Mr  Vanslyperken,  why  I  never 
interfered." 

**  Ay,  ay,  that's  all  very  well  5  but  you'll  tell  another 
story  when  you're  all  before  the  authorities." 

"  Perhaps  I  shall,"  replied  Moggy,  carelessly.  **  But 
I  shall  now  wish  you  a  good-evening,  Mr  Vanslyperken." 

Thereupon  Mr  Vanslyperken  very  valorously  drew 
his  sword,  and  flourished  it  over  his  head. 

**  You  don't  pass  here,  Mrs  Salisbury.  No — no — it's 
my  turn  now." 

"  Your  turn  now,  you  beast ! "  retorted  Moggy. 
"  Why,  if  I  wished  to  pass,  this  poker  would  soon  clear 
the  way ;  but  I  can  pass  without  that,  and  I  will  give 
you  the  countersign.  Hark !  a  word  in  your  ear,  you 
Vv'retch.  You  are  in  my  power.  You  have  sent  for  a 
constable,  and  I  swear  by  my  own  Jemmy's  little  finger, 
which  is  worth  your  old  shrivelled  carcass,  that  I  shall 
give  you  in  charge  of  the  constable." 

"  Me  !  "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken. 

**  Yes,  you — you  wretch — you  scum.  Now  I  am  going, 
stop  me  if  you  dare.  Walls  have  ears,  so  I'll  whisper. 
If  you  wish  to  send  a  constable  after  me,  you'll  find  me 
at  the  house  of  the  Jew  Lazarus.     Do  you  understand  ?  " 

Vanslyperken  started  back  as  if  an  adder  had  come 
before  him,  his  sword  dropped  out  of  his  hand,  he  stood 
transfixed. 

"  May  I  go  now,  Mr  Vanslyperken,  or  am  I  to  wait 
for  the  constable  ?  Silence  gives  consent,"  continued 
Moggy,  making  a  mock  courtesy,  and  walking  out  of 
the  room. 

For  a  minute,  Vanslyperken  remained  in  the  same 
position.  At  last,  bursting  with  his  feelings,  he  snatched 
up  his  sword,  put  it  into  the  sheath,  and  was  about  to 
quit  the  room,  when  in  came  the  landlady  with  the- 
constable. 

"  You  vants  me,  sir  ? "  said  the  man. 


The  Dog  Fiend  241 

**I  did,"  stammered  Vanslyperken,  "but  she  is  gone." 
"  I  must  be  paid  for  my  trouble,  sir,  if  you  please." 
Vanslyperken  had  again  to  pull  out  his  purse ;  but 
this  time  he  hardly  felt  the  annoyance,  for  in  his  mind's 
eye  his  neck  was  already  in  the  halter.  He  put  the 
money  into  the  man's  hand  without  speaking,  and  then 
left  the  room,  the  landlady  courtesying  very  low,  and 
hoping  that  she  soon  should  again  have  the  pleasure  of 
his  company  at  the  Wheatsheaf. 


Chapter  XXXI 

In  which  Snarleyyow  again  triumphs  over  his  enemies. 

But  we  must  return  to  the  cabin,  and  state  what  took 
place  during  this  long  absence  of  the  commander,  who 
had  gone  on  shore  about  three  o'clock,  and  had  given 
directions  for  his  boat  to  be  at  the  Point  at  sunset.  There 
had  been  a  council  of  war  held  on  the  forecastle,  in  which 
Corporal  Van  Spitter  and  Smallbones  were  the  most 
prominent ;  and  the  meeting  was  held  to  debate,  whether 
they  should  or  should  not  make  one  more  attempt  to 
destroy  the  dog  •,  singular  that  the  arguments  and  observa- 
tions very  nearly  coincided  with  those  made  use  of  by 
Vanslyperken  and  his  mother,  when  they  debated  how 
to  get  rid  of  Smallbones. 

"  Water  won't  touch  him,  I  sees  that,"  observed 
Smallbones. 

"  No.  Mein  Gott,  dat  was  to  trow  time  and  de  trouble 
away,"  replied  the  corporal. 

"  Hanging's  just  as  natural  a  death  for  a  cur/'  observed 
Spurey. 

**  Yes,"  observed  Short. 

**  I'm  afeard  that  the  rope's  not  laid  that's  to  hang 
that  animal,"  observed  Coble,  shaking  his  head.  **  If 
water  won't  do,  I'm  persuaded  nothing  will,  for  did  not 
s  Q 


242  Snarleyyow;  or, 

they  use,  in  former  days,  to  lay  all  spirits  in  the  Red 
Sea?" 

*'  Yes,"  quoth  Short. 

" But  he  ban't  a  spirit  yet,"  replied  Smallbones  ;  "he 
be  flesh  and  blood  o'  some  sort.     If  I  gets  fairly  rid  of  his 

body,    d n  his   soul,  I   say,   he   may  keep   that  and 

welcome." 

"  But  then,  you  know,  he'll  haunt  us  just  as  much  as 
ever — we  shall  see  him  here  just  the  same." 

"  A  spirit  is  only  a  spirit,"  observed  Smallbones  ;  "he 
may  live  in  the  cabin  all  day  and  night  afore  I  care  ;  but, 
d'ye  see,  there's  a  great  difference  between  the  ghost  of 
a  dog,  and  the  dog  himself." 

"Why,  if  the  beast  ar'n't  natural,  I  can't  see  much 
odds,"  observed  Spurey. 

"  But  I  can  feel  'em,"  replied  Smallbones.  "  This  here 
dog  has  a-bitten  me  all  to  bits,  but  a  ghost  of  a  dog  can't 
bite  anyhow." 

"  No,"  replied  Short. 

"  And  now,  d'ye  see,  as  Obadiah  Coble  has  said  as 
how  spirits  must  be  laid,  I  think  if  we  were  to  come  for 
to  go  for  to  lay  this  here  hanimal  in  the  cold  hearth,  he 
may  perhaps  not  be  able  to  get  up  again." 

"  That's  only  a  perhaps,"  observed  Coble. 

"Well,  a  perhaps  is  better  than  nothing  at  all,"  said 
the  lad. 

"  Yes,"  observed  Short. 

"  That  depends  upon  sarcumstances,"  observed  Spurey. 
"What  sort  of  a  breakfast  would  you  make  upon  a 
perhaps  ? " 

"  A  good  one,  perhaps,"  replied  Smallbones,  grinning 
at  the  jingling  of  the  words. 

"Twenty  dozen  tyfels,  Smallbones  is  in  de  right," 
observed  Jansen,  who  had  taken  no  part  in  the  previous 
conversation.  "  Suppose  you  bury  de  dog,  de  dog  body 
not  get  up  again.  Suppose  he  will  come,  his  soul  come, 
leave  him  body  behind  him." 

"  That's  exactly  my  notion  of  the  thing,"  observed 
Smallbones 


The  Dog  Fiend  243 

"Do  you  mean  for  to  bury  him  alive?"  inquired  Spurey. 

"  Alive !  Gott  in  himmel — no.  I  knock  de  brains  out 
first,  perry  afterwards." 

"There's  some  sense  in  that,  corporal." 

"  And  the  dog  can't  have  much  left  anyhow,  dog  or 
devil,  when  his  brains  are  all  out." 

"  No,"  quoth  Short. 

"  But  who  is  to  do  it  ? " 

"  Corporal  and  I,"  replied  Smallbones  5  "  we  be  agreed, 
ban't  we,  corporal .? " 

"  Mein  Gott,  yes  !  " 

**  And  now  I  votes  that  we  tries  it  ofF-hand ;  what's  the 
use  of  shilly-shally  ?  I  made  a  mortal  vow  that  that  'ere 
dog  and  I  won't  live  together — there  ban't  room  enough 
for  us  two." 

**  It's  a  wide  world,  nevertheless,"  observed  Coble, 
hitching  up  his  trousers  5  "  howsomever,  I  have  nothing 
to  say,  but  I  wish  you  luck ;  but  if  you  kill  that  dog,  I'm 
a  bishop — that's  all." 

"  And  if  I  don't  try  for  to  do  so,  I  am  an  harchbishop, 
that's  all,"  replied  the  gallant  Smallbones.  "  Come  along, 
corporal." 

And  here  was  to  be  beheld  a  novel  scene.  Smallbones 
followed  in  obedience  by  his  former  persecutor  and  his 
superior  officer ;  a  bag  of  bones — a  reed — a  lath — a  scare- 
crow J  like  a  pilot  cutter  ahead  of  an  Indiaman,  followed 
in  his  wake  by  Corporal  Van  Spitter,  weighing  twenty 
stone.  How  could  this  be  ?  It  was  human  nature. 
Smallbones  took  the  lead,  because  he  was  the  more 
courageous  of  the  two,  and  the  corporal  following,  proved 
he  tacitly  admitted  it. 

"  He  be  a  real  bit  of  stuff,  that  'ere  Peter  Smallbones," 
said  one  of  the  men. 

"  I  thinks  he  be  a  supernatural  himself,  for  my  part," 
rejoined  Spurey. 

"  At  all  events,  he  ar'n't  afeard  of  him,"  said  another. 

"  We  shall  see,"  replied  Coble,  squirting  out  his 
tobacco-juice  under  the  gun. 


244  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"  Come,  men,  we  must  go  to  work  now.  Shall  we,  Mr 
Short  ? " 

"  Yes,"  replied  the  commanding  officer,  and  the  con- 
ference broke  up. 

In  the  meantime  the  consultation  was  continued  between 
Smallbones  and  the  corporal.  The  latter  had  received 
instruction  to  take  on  shore  Mr  Vanslyperken's  dirty  linen 
to  the  washerwoman,  and  of  course,  as  a  corporal,  he  was 
not  obliged  to  carry  it,  and  would  take  Smallbones  for 
that  purpose.  Then  he  could  easily  excuse  taking  the 
dog  on  shore,  upon  the  plea  of  taking  care  of  it.  It  was 
therefore  so  arranged ;  the  dog  would  follow  the  corporal 
in  the  absence  of  his  master,  but  no  one  else.  In  a  few 
minutes  the  corporal,  Smallbones,  Snarleyyow,  and  a  very 
small  bundle  of  linen,  were  in  the  boat,  and  shoved  off 
with  as  many  good  wishes  and  as  much  anxiety  for  their 
success,  as  probably  Jason  and  his  followers  received 
when  they  departed  in  search  of  the  Golden  Fleece. 

The  three  parties  kept  in  company,  and  passed  through 
the  town  of  Portsmouth.  The  washerwoman  lived  out- 
side the  Lines,  and  there  they  proceeded,  Snarleyyow  very 
much  in  spirits  at  being  able  to  eat  the  grass,  which  his 
health  very  much  required.  They  walked  on  until  they 
arrived  at  a  large  elm-tree,  on  the  side  of  the  road,  which 
lay  between  two  hedges  and  ditches. 

"This  will  do,"  observed  the  corporal  solemnly.  "Mein 
Gott !  I  wish  it  was  over,"  continued  he,  wiping  the  per- 
spiration from  his  bull-forehead. 

"  How  shall  we  kill  him,  corporal  ? "  inquired  Smallbones. 

"  Mein  Gott !  knock  him  head  against  de  tree,  I 
suppose." 

'*  Yes,  and  bury  him  in  the  ditch.  Here,  dog — Snarley- 
yow— here,  dog,"  said  Smallbones  ;  "  come,  a  poor  doggy 
— come  here." 

But  Snarleyyow  was  not  to  be  coaxed  by  Smallbones ; 
he  suspected  treachery. 

"  He  won't  a-come  to  me,  corporal,  or  I'd  soon  settle 
his  hash,"  observed  Smallbones. 


The  Dog  Fiend  245 

The  corporal  had  now  got  over  a  little  panic  which  had 
seized  him.  He  called  Snarleyyow,  who  came  immediately. 
Oh  !  had  he  imagined  what  the  corporal  was  about  to  do, 
he  might  have  died  like  Caesar,  exclaiming,  *^Et  tu  Brute," 
which,  in  plain  English  means,  "  and  you — you  brute." 

The  corporal,  with  a  sort  of  desperation,  laid  hold  of 
the  dog  by  the  tail,  drawing  him  back  till  he  could  swing 
him  round.  In  a  second  or  two  Snarleyyow  was  whirling 
round  the  corporal,  who  turned  with  him,  gradually 
approaching  the  trunk  of  the  elm-tree,  till  at  last  his  head 
came  in  contact  with  it  with  a  resounding  blow,  and  the 
dog  fell  senseless.  "Try  it  again,  corporal,  let's  finish 
him."  The  corporal  again  swung  round  the  inanimate 
body  of  the  dog;  again,  and  again,  and  again,  did  the 
head  come  in  contact  with  the  hard  wood ;  and  then  the 
corporal,  quite  out  of  breath  with  the  exertion,  dropped 
the  body  on  the  grass.  Neither  of  them  spoke  a  word  for 
some  time,  but  watched  the  body,  as  it  lay  motionless, 
doubled  up,  with  the  fore  and  hind  feet  meeting  each 
other,  and  the  one  eye  closed. 

"  Well,  Fve  a  notion  that  he  is  done  for,  anyhow,"  said 
Smallbones,  **  at  last." 

"  Mein  Gott,  yes  !  "  replied  the  corporal.  "  He  never 
get  on  his  legs  again,  be  he  tog  or  be  he  tyfel." 

"Now  for  to  come  for  to  go  for  to  bury  him,"  said 
Smallbones,  swinging  the  dog  by  the  tail,  and  dragging  him 
towards  the  ditch.  "I  wonder  if  we  could  get  a  spade  any- 
where, corporal." 

**  Mein  Gott !  if  we  ask  for  a  spade  they  will  ask  what 
for,  and  Vanslyperken  may  find  it  all  out." 

"  Then  FU  bury  him  and  cover  him  up,  anyhow ;  he'll 
not  come  to  life  again,  if  he  does  may  I  be  knocked  on  the 
head  like  him,  that's  all."  Smallbones  dragged  the  body 
into  the  ditch,  and  collecting  out  of  the  other  parts  of  the 
ditch  a  great  quantity  of  wet  leaves,  covered  the  body  a 
foot  deep.  "  There,  they  won't  find  him  now,  because 
they  won't  know  where  to  look  for  him.  I  say,  corporal, 
I've  a  notion  we  had  better  not  be  seen  here  too  long." 


24-6  Snarleyyow;  or, 

''  No,"  said  the  corporal,  wiping  his  forehead,  putting 
his  handkerchief  in  his  cap,  and  his  cap  on  his  head  ;  "  we 
must  go  now." 

They  went  to  the  washerwoman's,  delivered  the  bundle, 
and  then  returned  on  board,  when  the  whole  crew  were 
informed  of  the  success  of  the  expedition,  and  appeared 
quite  satisfied  that  there  was  an  end  of  the  detested  cur  ^ 
all  but  Coble,  who  shook  his  head. 

"  We  shall  see,"  says  he ;  "  but  I'm  blessed  if  I  don't 
expect  the  cur  back  to-morrow  morning." 

We  must  now  return  to  Vanslyperken,  who  left  the 
public-house  in  a  state  of  consternation.  "  How  could  she 
possibly  know  anything  about  it  ?  "  exclaimed  he.  "  My 
life  in  the  power  of  that  she-devil !  "  And  Vanslyperken 
walked  on,  turning  over  the  affair  in  his  mind.  "  I  have 
gone  too  far  to  retreat  now.  I  must  either  go  on,  or  fly 
the  country.  Fly,  where  ?  What  a  fool  have  I  been  ! " 
but  then  Vanslyperken  thought  of  the  money.  "  No,  no, 
not  a  fool,  but  I  am  very  unfortunate."  Vanslyperken 
continued  his  route,  until  it  at  last  occurred  to  him  that  he 
would  go  to  the  Jew  Lazarus,  and  speak  with  him ;  for, 
thought  Vanslyperken,  if  all  is  discovered,  they  may  think 
that  I  have  informed,  and  then  my  life  will  be  sought  by 
both  parties.  Vanslyperken  arrived  at  the  Jew's  abode, 
knocked  softly,  but  received  no  answer :  he  knocked  again, 
louder  ;  a  bustle  and  confusion  was  heard  inside,  and  at 
last  the  door,  with  the  chain  fixed,  was  opened  a  couple  of 
inches,  and  the  Jew  stammered  out,  "  Wot  vash  there  at 
this  late  hour  of  the  night  ?  " 

"  It  is  me,  the  lieutenant  of  the  cutter,"  replied  Vansly- 
perken.    "  I  must  speak  with  you  directly." 

The  door  was  opened,  several  figures,  and  the  clatter  of 
arms,  were  heard  in  the  dark  passage,  and  as  soon  as 
Vanslyperken  had  entered  it  was  relocked,  and  he  was  left 
in  the  dark. 

In  a  minute  the  Jew,  in  a  woollen  wrapper,  made 
his  appearance  with  a  light,  and  led  Vanslyperken 
into    the    room    where     he    had    been    shown    before. 


The  Dog  Fiend  247 

"  Now  then,  Mishter  Leef tenant,  vat  vash  de 
matter  ?  " 

'*  We  are  discovered,  I'm  afraid  ! "  exclaimed  Vansly- 
perken. 

"  Holy  father  Abraham  !  "  exclaimed  the  Jew,  starting 
back.     "  But  tell  me  vy  you  shay  sho." 

"  A  woman  told  me  this  night  that  she  knew  why  I  came 
to  your  house — that  I  was  in  her  power." 

"  Vat  woman  ?  " 

*'  A  hell-cat,  who  hates  me  as  she  does  the  devil." 

**  A  hell-cat  vould  not  hate  de  divil,"  slowly  observed 
the  Jew. 

**  Well,  perhaps  not ;  but  she  will  ruin  me  if  she  can." 

"  Vat  vash  her  name  ?  "  said  Lazarus. 

"  Moggy  Salisbury." 

"  Paah !  is  dat  all  ?  vy,  my  good  friend,  she  is  one  of 
us.  Dere,  you  may  go  vay — you  may  go  to  bed,  Mr 
Vanslyperken." 

"  What  do  you  mean  ? " 

**  I  mean  dat  she  laughed  at  you,  and  frighten  you — dat 
she  is  one  of  us,  and  so  is  her  husband,  who  vas  in  your 
chip.  Ven  you  hang,  she  and  I  vill  all  hang  together ;  now 
you  comprehend  ? " 

**  Yes,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  **  I  do  now :  but  how 
could  you  trust  such  people  ?  " 

**  Trust  such  people,  Mr  Vanslyperken  ?  If  you  prove 
as  true  as  those  peoples,  vy  all  de  bitter ;  now  go  avay — 
go  to  bed — you  have  vaked  up  all  the  peoples  here.  Good 
night,  Mr  Leeftenant ; "  and  the  Jew  led  the  way  to  the 
door,  and  let  Vanslyperken  out. 

"  So  then,"  thought  Vanslyperken,  as  he  pursued  his 
way  down  to  the  Point,  "  that  woman  and  her  husband  are 
— damnation,  but  I've  a  great  mind  to  discover  all,  if  it's 
only  to  hang  them."  But  on  second  thoughts,  Vanslyperken 
thought  that  it  was  not  worth  while  to  be  hanged  himself, 
just  for  the  pleasure  of  hanging  others.  It  was  a  great 
relief  to  his  mind  to  know  that  there  was  no  fear  of  dis- 
covery.    The  tip  of  his  nose  itched,   and  he  rubbed  it 


^48  Snarleyyow;  or, 

mechanically ;  the  rubbing  brought  away  all  the  skin.  He 
remembered  the  hot  poker — the  money  he  had  been  forced 
to  pay — his  being  made  to  sing  and  to  beg  pardon  on  his 
knees  ;  and  he  cursed  Moggy  in  his  heart,  the  more  so,  as 
he  felt  that  he  dare  not  take  any  steps  against  her. 

When  he  came  to  the  Point,  he  stood  on  the  shingle, 
looking  for  his  boat,  but  the  men  had  waited  till  twelve 
o'clock,  and  then  presuming  that  their  commander  did  not 
intend  to  come  at  all  that  night,  had  pulled  on  board  again. 
He  was  looking  round  for  a  waterman  to  pull  him  off,  when 
something  cold  touched  his  hand.  Vanslyperken  started, 
and  almost  screamed  with  fear.  He  looked,  and  it  was  the 
cold  nose  of  Snarleyyow,  who  now  leaped  upon  his  master. 

"  Snarleyyow,  my  poor  dog  !  how  came  you  on  shore  ?" 

But  the  dog  not  being  able  to  speak,  made  no  answer. 

While  Vanslyperken  was  wondering  how  the  dog  could 
possibly  have  come  on  shore,  and  what  Corporal  Van 
Spitter  could  be  about  to  have  allowed  it,  the  small 
casement  of  a  garret  window  near  him  was  opened,  and 
a  head  was  thrust  out. 

"Do  you  want  to  go  on  board,  sir.?"  said  a  tremulous 
voice. 

**  Yes,"  replied  Vanslyperken. 

**  I  will  be  down  directly,  sir,"  replied  the  old  boatman, 
who  in  a  minute  or  two  appeared  with  his  sculls  on  his 
shoulder. 

"  Not  easy  to  find  a  boat  at  this  time  of  the  morning, 
sir,"  said  the  man ;  "  but  I  heard  you  speaking,  for  IVe 
had  such  a  toothache  these  two  nights  that  I  can't  shut 
my  eyes." 

The  old  man  unlocked  the  chain  which  fastened  his 
wherry,  and  in  a  few  minutes  Vanslyperken  was  on  the 
deck  of  the  cutter,  but  he  found  there  was  no  one  to 
receive  him, — no  watch  kept. 

"Very  well,"  thought  he,  "we'll  talk  about  this  to- 
morrow morning.  Short  or  Coble,  I  wonder  which  of  the 
two— pretty  neglect  of  duty,  indeed — report  to  the  admiral, 
by  heavens !  " 


The  Dog  Fiend  249 

So  saying,  Mr  Vanslyperken,  with  Snarleyyow  at  his 
heels,  went  down  into  the  cabin — undressed  in  the  dark, 
for  he  would  not  let  anyone  know  that  he  was  on  board. 
It  being  about  three  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  Mr 
Vanslyperken  being  well  tired  with  the  events  of  the  day, 
he  was  soon  in  a  sound  sleep.  There  will  be  no  difficulty 
in  accounting  for  the  return  of  the  dog,  which  had  a  skull 
much  thicker  than  even  the  corporal's.  He  had  been 
stunned  with  the  heavy  blows,  but  not  killed.  After  a 
certain  time  he  came  to  himself  in  his  bed  of  leaves,  first 
scratched  with  one  paw,  and  then  with  another,  till  his 
senses  returned :  he  rose,  worked  his  way  out,  and  lay 
down  to  sleep.  After  he  had  taken  a  long  nap,  he  rose 
recovered,  shook  himself,  and  trotted  down  to  the  beach, 
but  the  boat  had  shoved  off,  and  the  cur  had  remained 
there  waiting  for  an  opportunity  to  get  on  board,  when  his 
master  came  down  with  the  same  object  in  view. 

But  as  every  soul  is  fast  asleep,  we  shall  now  finish  the 
chapter. 

Chapter  XXXII 

Listeners  never  hear  any  good  of  themselves. 

Vanslyperken  was  awakened  three  hours  after  he  had 
fallen  asleep  by  the  noise  of  the  buckets  washing  the  decks. 
He  heard  the  men  talking  on  deck,  and  aware  that  no  one 
knew  that  he  was  on  board,  he  rose  from  his  bed,  and 
opened  one  of  the  sliding  sashes  of  the  skylight,  that  he 
might  overhear  the  conversation.  The  first  words  he 
heard  were  from  Bill  Spurey. 

"  I  say.  Coble,'!  wonder  what  the  skipper  will  say  when 
he  comes  on  board,  and  finds  that  the  dog  is  gone  ? " 

"  Hoh  !  hoh  !  "  thought  Vanslyperken. 

"  I  arn't  convinced  that  he  is  gone  yet,"  replied  Coble. 

**Smallbones  swears  that  he's  settled,  this  time,"  replied 
Spurey. 

"  So  he  did  before,"  replied  Coble. 


250  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"  Smallbones  again,"  thought  Vanslyperken.     "  Fll 

Smallbones  him,  if  I  hang  for  it." 

**  Why,  he  says  he  buried  him  two  feet  deep." 

"  Ay,  ay ;  but  what's  the  use  of  burying  an  animal 
who's  not  a  human  creature  ?  For  my  part,  I  say  this, 
that  the  imp  belongs  to  his  master,  and  is  bound  to  serve 
him  as  long  as  his  master  lives.  When  he  dies  the  dog 
may  be  killed,  and  then— — " 

**  Then  what  ?  " 

*'Why,  with  the  blessing  of  God,  they'll  both  go  to 
hell  together,  and  I  don't  care  how  soon." 

"  Kill  me,  you  old  villain ! "  muttered  Vanslyperken, 
grinding  his  teeth. 

"Well,  anyhow,  if  the  dog  be  not  made  away  with, 
no  more  be  Smallbones.  He  ar'n't  afeard  of  the  devil 
himself." 

"No,  not  he;  I'm  of  opinion  Smallbones  wa'n't  sent 
here  for  nothing.", 

**  He's  escaped  him  twice,  at  all  events." 

"Then  they  know  it,"  thought  Vanslyperken,  turning 
pale. 

"  Ay,  and  I  will  take  you  any  bet  you  please,  that  the 
skipper  never  takes  that  boy's  life.  He's  charmed,  or  I  am 
a  gudgeon." 

Vanslyperken  felt  that  it  was  his  own  suspicion,  and  he 
trembled  at  the  idea  of  the  lad  being  supernatural. 

"  Out  of  the  way.  Coble,  or  I'll  fill  your  shoes,"  cried 
out  one  of  the  men,  slashing  a  bucket  of  water. 

"  That's  not  quite  so  easy,  'cause  I've  got  boots  on," 
replied  Coble.     "  How^ever,  I'll  take  up  another  berth." 

The  men  walked  away,  and  Vanslyperken  could  hear  no 
more ;  but  he  had  heard  quite  enough.  The  life  of  the 
dog  had  been  attempted  by  Smallbones,  it  was  evident. 
Mr  Vanslyperken,  after  a  little  agitation,  rang  the 
bell. 

"  By  all  that's  blue,  the  skipper's  on  board !  "  exclaimed 
the  men  on  deck. 

"  When  the  devil  did  he  come  ?  " 


The  Dog  Fiend  251 

"Not  in  my  watch,  at  all  events,"  replied  Coble.  "Did 
he  come  in  yours,  Short  ?  " 

"  No,"  replied  Short. 

"  Then  it  must  have  been  in  the  corporal's." 

"  The  corporal  never  called  me,  nor  was  he  on  deck," 
replied  Coble.     "  I've  a  notion  he  never  kept  his  watch." 

The  ring  at  the  bell  particularly  concerned  two  people, 
the  two  culprits,  Smallbones  and  Corporal  Van  Spitter. 

The  latter  made  his  appearance ;  but  previous  to  his 
answering  the  bell,  Mr  Vanslyperken  had  time  to  reflect. 
"So  they  think  my  dog  is  supernatural,"  said  he;  "so 
much  the  better.  I'll  make  them  believe  it  still  more." 
Mr  Vanslyperken  called  the  dog,  and  pointed  to  his  bed. 
The  dog,  who  was  fond  of  a  warm  berth,  and  but  seldom 
allowed  to  get  on  the  bed,  immediately  jumped  up  into 
it  when  invited,  and  Mr  Vanslyperken  patted  him,  and 
covered  him  up  with  the  bedclothes.  He  then  drew  the 
curtains  of  the  bed,  and  waited  to  see  who  would  answer 
the  bell.     Corporal  Van  Spitter  made  his  appearance. 

"  Corporal,  I  came  on  board  very  late,  where  have  you 
put  the  dog  ?     Bring  him  into  the  cabin." 

Here  the  corporal,  who  was  prepared,  shook  his  head, 
smoothed  down  the  hair  of  his  forehead,  and  made  a  very 
melancholy  face. 

"  It  was  all  my  fault.  Mynheer  Vanslyperken ;  yet  I  do 
for  the  best,  but  de  tog  be  lost." 

"  How  is  that,  corporal  ?  " 

The  corporal  then  stated  that  he  had  taken  the  pre- 
caution to  take  the  dog  on  shore,  as  he  was  afraid  to  leave 
it  on  board  when  he  went  to  the  washerwoman's,  and 
that  he  was  not  long  there,  but  while  he  was,  the  dog 
disappeared.  He  had  looked  everywhere,  but  could  not 
find  it. 

"  You  took  Smallbones  with  you  ?  "  said  Vanslyperken. 

"  Yes,  mynheer,  to  carry  de  linen." 

"  And  where  was  he  when  you  were  at  the  washer- 
woman's." 

"  He  was  here  and  dere.** 


252  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"  I  know  that  it  was  he  who  killed  and  buried  the  dog, 
corporal." 

Corporal  Van  Spitter  started ;  he  thought  he  was  dis- 
covered. 

"  Kilt  and  perryed,  mein  Gott ! "  said  the  corporal, 
obliged  to  say  something. 

"  Yes,  I  overheard  the  men  say  so  on  deck,  corporal. 
He  must  have  taken  the  opportunity  when  you  were  in 
the  house  counting  the  linen." 

Now  the  corporal  had  time  to  recover  himself,  and  he 
argued  that  anything  was  better  than  that  he  should  be 
suspected.  Smallbones  was  already  known  to  have 
attempted  the  life  of  the  dog,  so  he  would  leave  the 
lieutenant  in  his  error. 

*'Mein  Gott !  he  is  von  d d  kill-dog  feller,"  observed 

the  corporal.  "  I  look  everywhere,  I  no  find  te  tog.  Dea 
de  dog  is  dead  ?  " 

"Yes,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  "but  Fll  punish  the 
scoundrel,  depend  upon  it.  That  will  do,  corporal  5  you 
may  go." 

As  Snarleyyow  remained  perfectly  quiet  during  this 
conversation,  we  must  give  Vanslyperken  great  credit 
for  his  manoeuvre.  The  corporal  went  to  Smallbones, 
and  repeated  what  had  passed.  Smallbones  snapped  his 
fingers. 

"  He  may  keel-haul,  or  hang  me,  for  all  I  care.  The 
dog  is  dead.  Never  fear,  corporal,  I  won't  peach  upon 
you.     I'm  game,  and  I'll  die  so — if  so  be  I  must." 

Vanslyperken  sent  for  Smallbones.  Smallbones,  who 
was  worked  up  to  the  highest  state  of  excitement,  came 
in  boldly. 

**  So,  you  villain,  you've  killed  my  dog,  and  buried  it." 

"No,  I  ar'n't,"  replied  Smallbones.  "  I  knows  nothing 
about  your  dog,  sir." 

"  Why,  the  men  on  deck  said  so,  you  scoundrel,  I  heard 
them." 

"  I  don't  care  what  the  men  say  ;  I  never  killed  your 
dog,  sir." 


The  Dog  Fiend  2^^ 

"  You  rascal,  Til  have  your  life ! "  exclaimed  Vansly- 
perken. 

Smallbones  grinned  diabolically,  and  Vanslyperken,  who 
remembered  all  that  the  men  had  said  in  confirmation  of 
his  own  opinion  relative  to  Smallbones,  turned  pale. 
Smallbones,  on  his  part,  aware  from  Corporal  Van  Spitter, 
that  the  lieutenant  had  such  an  idea,  immediately  took 
advantage  of  the  signs  in  the  lieutenant's  countenance,  and 
drawled  out, — "  That's — not — so — easy  !  " 

Vanslyperken  turned  away.  "  You  may  go  now,  sir, 
but  depend  upon  it  you  shall  feel  my  vengeance  ! "  and 
Smallbones  quitted  the  cabin. 

Vanslyperken  finished  his  toilet,  and  then  turned  the 
dog  out  of  the  bed. 

He  went  on  deck,  and  after  he  had  walked  a  little  while, 
sent  for  Corporal  Van  Spitter  to  consult  as  to  the  best 
method  of  ascertaining  what  had  become  of  Snarleyyow. 
Having  entered  apparently  very  earnestly  into  the  corporal's 
arrangements,  who  was  to  go  on  shore  immediately,  he 
desired  the  corporal  to  see  his  breakfast  got  ready  in  the 
cabin. 

It  so  happened,  that  the  corporal  went  into  the  cabin, 
followed  by  Smallbones ;  the  first  object  that  met  his 
view,  was  Snarleyyow,  sitting  upon  the  chest,  scratching 
his  ragged  ear  as  if  nothing  had  happened. 

"  Gott  in  himmel ! "  roared  the  corporal,  turning  back, 
and  running  out  of  the  cabin,  upsetting  Smallbones,  whom 
he  met  in  the  passage,  and  trotting,  like  an  elephant,  right 
over  him.  Nor  was  Smallbones  the  only  one  who  suffered ; 
two  marines  and  three  seamen  were  successively  floored  by 
the  corporal,  who,  blinded  with  fear,  never  stopped  till  he 
ran  his  head  butt  against  the  lining  in  the  forepeak  of  the 
cutter,  which,  with  the  timbers  of  the  vessel,  brought  him 
up,  not  all  standing,  in  one  sense  of  the  word,  for  in  his 
mad  career  his  head  was  dashed  so  violently  against  them, 
that  the  poor  corporal  fell  down,  stunned  to  insensibility. 

In  the  meantime  Smallbones  had  gained  his  feet,  and 
was  rubbing  his  ribs,  to  ascertain  if  they  were  all  whole. 


254  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"  Well,  rm  sure,"  said  he,  "  if  I  ar'n't  flattened  for  all  the 
world  like  a  pancake,  with  that  'ere  corporal's  weight. 
One  may  as  well  have  a  broad-wheel  waggon  at  once  go 
over  one's  body ;  but  what  could  make  him  come  for  to  go 
to  run  away  bellowing  in  that  ere  manner  ?  He  must 
have  seen  the  devil;  or,  perhaps,"  thought  Smallbones, 
"  that  imp  of ^  the  devil,  Snarleyyow.  I'll  go  and  see  what 
it  was,  anyhow." 

Smallbones,  rubbing  his  abdomen,  where  the  corporal 
had  trod  hardest,  walked  into  the  cabin,  where  he  beheld 
the  dog.     He  stood  with  his  mouth  wide  open. 

"  I  defy  the  devil  and  aU  his  works,"  exclaimed  he,  at 
last,  "  and  you  be  one  of  his,  that's  sartain.  I  fear  God, 
and  I  honour  the  king,  and  the  parish  taught  me  to  read 
the  bible.  There  you  be  resurrectioned  up  again.  Well, 
it's  no  use,  I  suppose.  Satan,  I  defy  you,  anyhow,  but  it's 
very  hard  that  a  good  Christian  should  have  to  get  the 
breakfast  ready,  of  which  you'll  eat  one  half ;  I  don't  see 
why  I'm  to  wait  upon  the  devil  or  his  imps." 

Then  Smallbones  stopped,  and  thought  a  little.  "I 
wonder  whether  he  bee'd  dead,  as  I  thought.  Master 
came  on  board  last  night  without  no  one  knowing  nothing 
about  it,  and  he  might  have  brought  the  dog  with  him,  if 
so  be  he  came  to  again.  I  won't  believe  that  he's  hal- 
together  not  to  be  made  away  with,  for  how  come  his  eye 
out  ?  Well,  I  don't  care,  I'm  a  good  Christian,  and  may  I  be 
swamped  if  I  don't  try  what  he's  made  of  yet !  First  time 
we  cuts  up  beef,  I'll  try  and  chop  your  tail,  anyhow,  that 
I  will,  if  I  am  hung  for  it." 

Smallbones  regained  his  determination.  He  set  about 
laying  the  things  for  breakfast,  and  when  they  were 
ready  he  went  up  to  the  quarter-deck,  reporting  the 
same  to  Mr  Vanslyperken,  who  had  expected  to  see  him 
frightened  out  of  his  wits,  and  concluding  his  speech 
by  saying,  "  If  you  please,  sir,  the  dog  be  in  the  cabin, 
all  right ;  I  said  as  how  I  never  kilt  your  dog,  nor  buried 
him  neither." 

"  The  dog  in  the  cabin  !  "  exclaimed  Mr  Vanslyperken, 


The  Dog  Fiend  255 

with  apparent  astonishment.  "  Why,  how  the  devil  could 
he  have  come  there  ?  " 

"  He  cummed  off,  I  suppose,  sir,  same  way  as  you  did, 
without  nobody  knowing  nothing  about  it,"  drawled  out 
Smallbones,  who  then  walked  away. 

In  the  meantime  the  corporal  had  been  picked  up,  and 
the  men  were  attempting  to  recover  him.  Smallbones 
went  forward  to  see  what  had  become  of  him,  and  learnt 
how  it  was  that  he  was  insensible. 

"Well,  then,"  thought  Smallbones,  "it  may  have  been 
all  the  same  with  the  dog,  and  I  believe  there's  humbug 
in  it,  for  if  the  dog  had  made  his  appearance,  as  master 
pretends  he  did,  aJl  of  a  sudden,  he'd  a  been  more 
frightened  than  me." 

So  reasoned  Smallbones,  and  he  reasoned  well.  In  the 
meantime  the  corporal  opened  his  eyes,  and  gradually 
returned  to  his  senses,  and  then  for  the  first  time,  the 
ship's  company,  who  were  all  down  at  their  breakfast, 
demanded  of  Smallbones  the  reason  of  the  corporal's 
conduct. 

" Why,"  replied  Smallbones,  "because  that  'ere  beast, 
Snarleyyow,  be  come  back  again,  all  alive,  a'ter  being 
dead  and  buried — he's  in  the  cabin  now — that's  all." 

"  That's  all !  "  exclaimed  one.  "  All !  "  cried  another. 
"  The  devil ! "  said  a  third. 

"  I  said  as  how  it  would  be,"  said  Obadiah  Coble — 
^'  that  dog  is  no  dog,  as  sure  as  I  sit  here." 

The  return  of  the  dog  certainly  had  a  strong  effect  upon 
the  whole  of  the  ship's  company.  The  corporal  swore 
that  he  was  not  in  the  cabin,  and  that  Mr  Vanslyperken 
had  arranged  for  his  going  on  shore  to  look  for  him,  when 
all  of  a  sudden  the  dog  made  his  appearance,  no  one  knew 
how.  Smallbones  found  himself  so  much  in  the  minority, 
that  he  said  nothing.  It  was  perfect  heresy  not  to  believe 
that  the  dog  was  sent  from  the  lower  regions  ;  and  as  for 
any  further  attempts  to  destroy  it,  it  was  considered  as 
perfect  insanity 

But  this  renewed  attempt  on  the  part  of  Smallbones, 


256  Snarleyyow;  or, 

for  Vanslyperken  was  convinced  that  an  attempt  had  been 
made,  although  it  had  not  been  successful,  again  excited 
the  feelings  of  Mr  Vanslyperken  against  the  lad,  and  he 
resolved  somehow  or  another  to  retaliate.  His  anger 
overcame  his  awe,  and  he  was  reckless  in  his  desire  of 
vengeance.  There  was  not  the  least  suspicion  of  treachery 
on  the  part  of  Corporal  Van  Spitter  in  the  heart  of  Mr 
Vanslyperken,  and  the  corporal  played  his  double  part 
so  well,  that  if  possible  he  was  now  higher  in  favour  than 
ever. 

After  a  day  or  two,  during  which  Mr  Vanslyperken 
remained  on  board,  he  sent  for  the  corporal,  determining 
to  sound  him  as  to  whether  he  would  make  any  attempts 
upon  Smallbones ;  for  to  such  a  height  had  Vanslyperken's 
enmity  arrived,  that  he  now  resolved  to  part  with  some 
of  his  darling  money,  to  tempt  the  corporal,  rather  than 
not  get  rid  of  the  lad.  After  many  hints  thrown  out, 
but  not  taken  by  the  wily  corporal,  who  was  resolved 
that  Vanslyperken  should  speak  plainly,  the  deed  and 
the  reward  of  ten  guineas  were  openly  proclaimed,  and 
Vanslyperken  waited  for  the  corporal's  reply. 

"  Mein  Gott,  Mynheer  Vanslyperken !  suppose  it  vas 
possible,  I  not  take  your  money,  I  do  it  wid  pleasure  ^ 
but,  sir,  it  not  possible." 

"  Not  possible  !  "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken. 

"  No,  mynheer,"  replied  the  corporal,  "  I  not  tell  you 
all,  tousand  tyfel,  I  not  tell  you  all ; "  and  here  the  corporal 
put  his  hand  to  his  forehead  and  was  silent,  much  to 
Vanslyperken's  amazement.  But  the  fact  was,  that  Cor- 
poral Van  Spitter  was  thinking  what  he  possibly  could 
say.  At  last,  a  brilliant  thought  struck  him — he  narrated 
to  the  lieutenant  how  he  had  seen  the  ghost  of  Smallbones, 
as  he  thought,  when  he  was  floating  about,  adrift  on  the 
Zuyder  Zee- — described  with  great  force  his  horror  at 
the  time  of  the  appearance  of  the  supernatural  object, 
and  tailed  on  to  what  he  believed  to  be  true,  that  which 
he  knew  to  be  false,  to  wit,  that  the  apparition  had  cried 
out   to  him,  that   ^^  he  was  not  to  be  hurt  by  mortal  man.^* 


The  Doar  Fiend 


o 


257 


*'Gott  in  Himmel,"  finished  the  corporal,  "I  never  was 
so  frightened  in  my  life.  I  see  him  now,  as  plain  as  I 
see  you,  mynheer.  Twenty  tousand  tyfels,  but  the  voice 
was  like  de  tunder — and  his  eye  like  de  lightning — I  fell 
back  in  one  swoon.     Ah,  mein  Gott,  mein  Gott !  " 

So  well  did  the  corporal  play  his  part,  that  Vanslyperken 
became  quite  terrified  ;  the  candle  appeared  to  burn  dim, 
and  he  dared  not  move  to  snuiF  it.  He  could  not  but 
credit  the  corporal,  for  there  was  an  earnestness  of  de- 
scription, and  a  vividness  of  colouring,  which  could  not 
have  been  invented ;  besides,  was  not  the  corporal  his 
earnest  and  only  friend?  "Corporal,"  said  Vanslyperken, 
"perhaps  you'll  like  a  glass  of  scheedam;  there's  some  in 
the  cupboard." 

This  was  very  kind  of  Mr  Vanslyperken,  but  he  wanted 
one  himself,  much  more  than  the  corporal.  The  corporal 
produced  the  bottle  and  the  glass,  poured  it  out,  made 
his  military  salute,  and  tossed  it  off. 

"  Give  me  another  glass,  corporal,"  said  Vanslyperken, 
in  a  tremulous  tone.  The  lieutenant  took  one,  two,  three 
glasses,  one  after  another,  to  recover  himself. 

The  corporal  had  really  frightened  him.  He  was  con- 
vinced that  Smallbones  had  a  charmed  life.  Did  he  not 
float  to  the  Nab  buoy  and  back  again  ? — did  not  a  pistol 
ball  pass  through  him  without  injury  ?  Vanslyperken 
shuddered  ;  he  took  a  fresh  glass,  and  then  handed  the 
bottle  to  the  corporal,  who  helped  himself,  saluted,  and 
the  liquor  again  disappeared  in  a  moment. 

Dutch  courage  is  proverbial,  although  a  libel  upon  one 
of  the  bravest  of  nations.  Vanslyperken  now  felt  it,  and 
again  he  commenced  with  the  corporal.  "  What  were 
the  words  ?  "  inquired  he. 

"  Dat  he  was  not  to  be  hurt  by  mortal  man,  mynheer. 
I  can  take  mine  piple  oath  of  it,"  replied  the  corporal. 

"  Damnation  !  "  cried  Vanslyperken  ;  "but  stop — 
mortal  man — perhaps  he  may  be  hurt  by  woman." 

"  Dat  is  quite  anoder  ting,  mynheer." 

"He  shan't  escape  if  I  can  help  it,"  retorted  Vansly- 
s  R 


258  Snarleyyow;  or, 

perken.  "  I  must  think  about  it."  Vanslyperken  poured 
out  another  glass  of  scheedam,  and  pushed  the  stone  bottle 
to  the  corporal,  who  helped  himself  without  ceremony. 
Mr  Vanslyperken  was  now  about  two-thirds  drunk,  for 
he  was  not  used  to  such  a  quantity  of  spirits. 

"  Now,  if  I  had  only  been  friends  with  that — that — 
hell-fire  Moggy  Salisbury,"  thought  Vanslyperken,  speak- 
ing aloud  to  himself. 

"  Mein  Gott,  yes,  mynheer,"  replied  the  corporal. 

Vanslyperken  took  another  glass — spilling  a  great  deal 
on  the  table  as  he  poured  it  out ;  he  then  covered  his 
eyes  with  his  hand,  as  if  in  thought.  Thereupon  the 
corporal  filled  without  being  asked  ;  and,  as  he  perceived 
that  his  superior  remained  in  the  same  position,  and  did 
not  observe  him,  he  helped  himself  to  a  second  glass, 
and  then  waited  till  Vanslyperken  should  speak  again  ; 
but  the  liquor  had  overpowered  him,  and  he  spoke  no 
more. 

The  corporal,  after  a  few  minutes,  went  up  to  his 
superior ;  he  touched  him  on  the  shoulder,  saying, 
"  Mynheer,"  but  he  obtained  no  reply.  On  the  contrary, 
the  slight  touch  made  Mr  Vanslyperken  fall  forward  on 
the  table.     He  was  quite  insensible. 

So  the  corporal  took  him  up  in  his  arms,  laid  him  in 
his  bed,  then  taking  possession  of  the  lieutenant's  chair, 
for  he  was  tired  of  standing  so  long,  he  set  to  work  to 
empty  the  bottle,  which,  being  large  and  full  at  the  time 
that  it  was  produced  from  the  cupboard,  took  some  time, 
and  before  it  was  accomplished,  the  Corporal  Van  Spitter 
had  fallen  fast  asleep  in  the  chair.  Shortly  afterwards 
the  candle  burnt  out,  and  the  cabin  was  in  darkness. 

It  was  about  three  o'clock  in  the  morning  when  Mr 
Vanslyperken  began  to  recover  his  senses,  and  as  his  re- 
collection returned,  so  were  his  ears  met  with  a  stupendous 
roaring  and  unusual  noise.  It  was,  to  his  imagination, 
unearthly,  for  he  had  been  troubled  with  wild  dreams 
about  Smallbones,  and  his  appearance  to  the  corporal.  It 
sounded  like  thunder,  and  Mr  Vanslyperken  thought  that 


The  Dog  Fiend  259 

lie  could  plainly  make  out,  *^  Mortal  man!  mortal  man T'' 
and,  at  times,  the  other  words  of  the  supernatural  intima- 
tion to  the  corporal.  The  mortal  man  was  drawn  out 
in  lengthened  cadence,  and  in  a  manner  truly  horrible. 
Vanslyperken  called  out,  "  Mor — tal  —  man,"  was  the 
reply. 

Again  Vanslyperken  almost  shrieked  in  a  perspiration 
of  fear.  The  sound  now  ceased  ;  but  it  was  followed 
up  by  a  noise  like  the  rattling  of  glasses,  tumbling  about 
of  the  chairs  and  table,  and  Vanslyperken  buried  his 
face  under  the  clothes.  Then  the  door,  which  had  been 
shut,  was  heard  by  him  to  slam  like  thunder ;  and  then 
Snarleyyow  barked  loud  and  deep.  "  Oh  !  God  forgive 
me  !  "  cried  the  terrified  lieutenant.  "  Our  Father — 
which  art  in  heaven — save  me — save  me  !  " 

Shortly  afterwards  the  corporal  made  his  appearance 
with  a  light,  and  inquired  if  Mr  Vanslyperken  had  called. 
He  found  him  reeking  with  perspiration,  and  half  dead  with 
fear.  In  broken  words  he  stated  how  he  had  been  visited, 
and  how  the  same  intimation  that  no  mortal  man  could  hurt 
Smailbones  had  been  rung  into  his  ears. 

**  It  was  only  one  dream.  Mynheer  Vanslyperken," 
observed  the  corporal. 

"  No — it  was  no  dream,"  replied  Vanslyperken.  **  Stay 
in  the  cabin,  good  corporal." 

"  Yes,  mynheer,"  replied  the  corporal,  drawing  the 
curtains  of  the  bed,  and  then  quietly  picking  up  the 
various  articles  on  the  floor,  the  table  and  chairs  which 
had  been  overturned. 

Alas  !  Fear  is  the  mate  of  guilt.  All  this  horrid  visita- 
tion was  simply  that  Mr  Vanslyperken  had  heard  the 
corporal's  tremendous  snoring,  as  he  slept  in  the  chair,  and 
which  his  imagination  had  turned  into  the  words,  "  Mortal 
man."  The  first  exclamation  of  Mr  Vanslyperken  had 
awoke  the  corporal,  who,  aware  of  the  impropriety  of  his 
situation,  had  attempted  to  retreat  j  in  so  doing  he  had 
overturned  the  table  and  chairs,  with  the  bottles  and 
glasses  upon  them. 


26o  Snarleyyow;  or, 

Fearful  of  discovery  upon  this  unexpected  noise,  he  had 
hastened  out  of  the  cabin,  slammed  the  door,  and  waked 
up  Snarleyyow;  but  he  knew,  from  the  exclamations  of 
Vanslyperken,  that  the  lieutenant  was  frightened  out  of  his 
wits  ;  so  he  very  boldly  returned  with  a  candle  to  ascertain 
the  result  of  the  disturbance,  and  was  delighted  to  find 
that  the  lieutenant  was  still  under  the  delusion. 

So  soon  as  he  had  replaced  everything,  the  corporal  took 
a  chair,  and  finding  that  he  had  fortunately  put  the  cork 
into  the  stone  bottle  before  he  fell  asleep,  and  that  there 
was  still  one  or  two  glasses  in  it,  he  drank  them  off,  and 
waited  patiently  for  daylight.  By  this  time  Vanslyperken 
was  again  asleep  and  snoring ;  so  the  corporal  took  away 
all  the  broken  fragments,  put  the  things  in  order,  and  left 
the  cabin. 

When  Vanslyperken  awoke  and  rang  his  bell,  Smallbones 
entered.  Vanslyperken  got  up,  and  finding  the  cabin  as  it 
was  left  the  night  before,  was  more  than  ever  persuaded 
that  he  had  been  supernaturally  visited.  Fear  made  him 
quite  civil  to  the  lad,  whose  life  he  now  considered,  as  the 
ship's  company  did  that  of  the  dog's,  it  was  quite  useless 
for  him,  at  least,  to  attempt,  and  thus  ends  this  chapter  of 
horrors. 


Chapter  XXXIII 

In  which  there  is  nothing  very  particular  or  very  interesting. 

We  must  now  change  the  scene  for  a  short  time,  and 
introduce  to  our  readers  a  company  assembled  in  the  best 
inn  which,  at  that  time,  was  to  be  found  in  the  town  of 
Cherbourg.  The  room  in  which  they  were  assembled  was 
large  in  dimensions,  but  with  a  low  ceiling — the  windows 
were  diminutive,  and  gave  but  a  subdued  light,  on  account 
of  the  vicinity  of  the  houses  opposite.  The  window-frames 
were  small,  and  cut  diamond-wise ;  and,  in  the  centre  of 
each  of  the  panes,  was  a  round  of  coarsely-painted  glass. 


The  Dog  Fiend  261 

A  narrow  table  ran  nearly  the  length  of  the  room,  and,  at 
each  end  of  it,  there  was  a  large  chimney,  in  both  of  which 
logs  of  wood  were  burning  cheerfully.  What  are  now 
termed  chaises  longues^  were  drawn  to  the  sides  of  the  table, 
or  leaning  against  the  walls  of  the  room,  which  were  with- 
out ornament,  and  neatly  coloured  with  yellow  ochre. 

The  company  assembled  might  have  been  about  thirty 
in  number,  of  which  half  a  dozen,  perhaps,  were  in  the 
ecclesiastical  dress  of  the  time  ;  while  the  others  wore  the- 
habiliments  then  appropriated  to  cavaliers  or  gentlemen, 
with  very  little  diiFerence  from  those  as  worn  in  the  times 
of  the  Charleses  in  England,  except  that  the  cloak  had 
been  discarded,  and  the  more  substantial  roquelaure  sub- 
stituted in  its  place.  Most  of  the  party  were  men  who  had 
not  yet  arrived  to  middle  age,  if  we  except  the  clericals, 
who  were  much  more  advanced  in  life ;  and  any  one,  who 
had  ever  fallen  in  with  the  smuggling  lugger  and  its  crew, 
would  have  had  no  difficulty  in  recognising  many  of  them, 
in  the  well-attired  and  evidently  high-born  and  well- 
educated  young  men,  who  were  seated  or  standing  in 
the  room.  Among  them  Sir  Robert  Barclay  was  eminently 
conspicuous  ;  he  was  standing  by  the  fire  conversing  with 
two  of  the  ecclesiastics. 

"  Gentlemen,"  said  he  at  last,  **  our  worthy  Father  Lovell 
has  just  arrived  from  St  Germains  ;  and,  as  the  most  rapid 
communication  is  now  necessary,  he  is  empowered  to  open 
here  and  before  us,  every  despatch  which  we  bring  over, 
before  it  is  transmitted  to  head-quarters,  with  permission 
to  act  as  may  seem  best  to  the  friends  of  his  Majesty  here 
assembled." 

The  fact  was,  that  King  James  had  lately  completely 
given  himself  up  to  religious  exercises  and  mortification, 
and  any  communication  to  him  was  attended  with  so  much 
delay,  that  it  had  been  considered  advisable  to  act  without 
consulting  him  5  and  to  avoid  the  delay  consequent  on  the 
transmission  of  communications  to  Paris,  the  most  active 
parties  had  determined  that  they  would,  for  the  present, 
take  up  their  residence  at  Cherbourg,  and  merely  transmit 


162  Snarleyyow;  or, 

to  their  friends  at  St  Germains,  an  account  of  their  pro-- 
ceedings,  gaining,  at  least,  a  week  by  this  arrangement. 
The  party  assembled  had  many  names  of  some  note. 
Among  the  ecclesiastics  were  Lovell,  Collier,  Snatt,  and 
Cooke ;  among  the  cavaliers  were  those  of  Musgrave, 
Friend,  and  Perkins,  whose  relatives  had  suffered  in  the 
cause  ;  Smith,  Clancey,  Herbert,  Cunningham,  Leslie,  and 
many  others. 

When  Sir  Robert  Barclay  approached  the  table,  the 
others  took  their  seats  in  silence. 

"  Gentlemen,"  said  Sir  Robert,  laying  down  the  de- 
spatches, which  had  been  opened,  "  you  must  be  aware 
that  our  affairs  now  wear  a  very  prosperous  appearance. 
Supported  as  we  are  by  many  in  the  government  of 
England,  and  by  more  in  the  House  of  Commons,  with  sa 
many  adherents  here  to  our  cause,  we  have  every  rational 
prospect  of  success.  During  the  first  three  months  of  this 
year,  much  has  been  done  ;  and,  at  the  same  time,  it  must 
be  confessed  that  the  usurper  and  the  heretics  have  taken 
every  step  in  their  power  to  assail  and  to  crush  us.  By 
this  despatch,  now  in  my  hand,  it  appears  that  a  Bill  has 
passed  the  Commons,  by  which  it  is  enacted,  *  that  no 
person  born  after  the  25th  March  next,  being  a  Papist, 
shall  be  capable  of  inheriting  any  title  of  honour  or  estate, 
within  the  kingdom  of  England,  dominion  of  Wales,  or 
town  of  Berwick-on-the-Tweed.'  '* 

Here,  some  of  the  ecclesiastics  lifted  up  their  eyes, 
others  struck  their  clenched  hands  on  the  table,  and  the 
cavaliers,  as  if  simultaneously,  made  the  room  ring,  by 
seizing  hold  of  the  handles  of  their  swords. 

"  And  further,  gentlemen,  *  that  no  Papist  shall  be 
capable  of  purchasing  any  lands,  tenements,  or  heredita- 
ments, either  in  his  own  name,  or  in  the  name  of  any  other 
person  in  trust  for  him.' " 

The  reader  must  be  reminded,  that  in  those  days, 
there  was  no  Times  or  Morning  Herald  laid  upon  the 
breakfast  table  with  the  debates  of  the  House — that 
communication  was   anything  but  rapid,  there  being  na 


The  Dog  Fiend  263 

regular  post — so  that  what  had  taken  place  two  months 
back,  was  very  often  news. 

"  It  appears  then,  gentlemen,  that  our  only  chance  is  to 
win  our  properties  with  our  own  good  swords." 

"We  will!"  was  the  unanimous  reply  of  the  laity 
present. 

"  In  Scotland,  our  adherents  increase  daily  ;  the  interests 
of  so  many  have  been  betrayed  by  the  usurper,  that 
thousands  of  swords  will  start  from  their  scabbards  so  soon 
as  we  can  support  the  cause  with  the  promised  assistance  of 
the  court  of  Versailles  :  and  we  have  here  intelligence  that 
the  parliament  are  in  a  state  of  actual  hostility  to  the  usurper, 
and  that  the  national  ferment  is  so  great  as  to  be  almost  on 
the  verge  of  rebellion.  I  have  also  gained  from  a  private 
communication  from  our  friend  Ramsay,  who  is  now  at 
Amsterdam,  and  in  a  position  to  be  most  useful  to  us,  that 
the  usurper  has  intimated  to  his  own  countrymen,  although 
it  is  not  yet  known  in  England,  that  he  will  return  to  the 
Hague  in  July.  Such,  gentlemen,  is  the  intelligence  I  have 
to  impart  as  respects  our  own  prospects  in  our  own  country 
— to  which  I  have  to  add,  that  the  secret  partition  treaty, 
which  is  inimical  to  the  interests  of  the  French  king,  has 
been  signed  both  in  London  and  the  Hague,  as  well  as  by 
the  French  envoy  there.  A  more  favourable  occurrence 
for  us,  perhaps,  never  occurred,  as  it  will  only  increase  the 
already  well-known  ill-will  of  his  Catholic  Majesty  against 
the  usurper  of  his  own  father-in-law's  crown.  I  have  now, 
gentlemen,  laid  before  you  our  present  position  and  future 
prospects  j  and,  as  we  are  met  to  consult  upon  the 
propriety  of  further  measures,  I  shall  be  most  happy  to 
hear  the  suggestions  of  others." 

Sir  Robert  Barclay  then  sat  down. 

Lovell,  the  Jesuit,  first  rose.  **  I  have,"  said  he,  *'  no 
opinion  to  offer  relative  to  warlike  arrangements,  those  not 
being  suitable  to  my  profession.  I  leave  them  to  men  like 
Sir  Robert,  whose  swords  are  always  ready,  and  whose 
talents  are  so  well  able  to  direct  their  swords ;  still,  it  is 
well  known,  that  the  sources  of  war  must  be  obtained,  if 


264  Snarleyyow;  or, 

war  is  to  be  carried  on;  and  I  have  great  pleasure  in 
announcing  to  those  assembled,  that  from  our  friends  in 
England,  I  have  received  advice  of  the  two  several  sums 
of  ninety-three  thousand  pounds  and  twenty-nine  thousand 
pounds,  sterling  money,  having  been  actually  collected, 
and  now  held  in  trust  for  the  support  of  the  good  cause  •, 
and,  further,  that  the  collections  are  still  going  on  with 
rapidity  and  success.  From  his  most  Catholic  Majesty  we 
have  received  an  order  upon  the  minister  for  the  sum  of 
four  thousand  louis,  which  has  been  duly  honoured,  and 
from  our  blessed  father,  the  Pope,  an  order  for  iive 
hundred  thousand  paolis,  amounting  to  about  thirteen 
thousand  pounds  in  sterling  money,  together  with  entire 
absolution  for  all  sins  already  committed,  and  about  to  be 
committed,  and  a  secure  promise  of  paradise  to  those 
who  fall  in  the  maintenance  of  the  true  faith  and  the 
legitimate  king.  I  have,  further,  great  expectations  from 
Ireland,  and  many  promises  from  other  quarters,  in  support 
of  the  cause  which,  with  the  blessing  of  God,  I  trust  will 
yet  triumph." 

As  soon  as  Lovell  sat  down.  Collier,  the  ecclesiastic, 
rose. 

**  That  we  shall  find  plenty  of  willing  swords,  and  a 
sufficient  supply  of  money  for  our  purposes,  there  can  be 
no  doubt;  but  I  wish  to  propose  one  question  to  the 
company  here  assembled.  It  is  an  undoubted  article  of  the 
true  faith,  that  we  are  bound  to  uphold  it  by  any  and  by 
every  means.  All  human  attempts  are  justifiable  in  the 
service  of  God.  Many  have  already  been  made  to  get  rid 
of  the  usurper,  but  they  have  not  been  crowned  with 
success,  as  we  too  well  know ;  and  the  blood  of  our 
friends,  many  of  whom  were  not  accessories  to  the  act,  has 
been  lavishly  spilt  by  the  insatiate  heretic. 

**  But  they  have,  before  this,  received  immortal  crowns, 
in  suffering  as  martyrs  in  the  cause  of  religion  and 
justice.  I  still  hold  that  our  attempts  to  cut  off  the 
usurper  should  be  continued  ;  some  hand  more  fortunate 
may    succeed.      But   not   only   is   his    life    to   be   taken, 


The  Dog  Fiend  26^ 

if  possible,  but  the  succession  must  be  cut  off  root  and 
branch.  You  all  know  that,  of  the  many  children  born  to 
the  heretic  William,  all  but  one  have  been  taken  away 
from  him  in  judgment  for  his  manifold  crimes.  One  only 
remains,  the  present  Duke  of  Gloucester,  and  I  do  consider 
that  this  branch  of  heresy  should  be  removed,  even  in 
preference  to  his  parent,  whose  conduct  is  such  as  to 
assist  our  cause,  and  whose  death  may  weaken  the 
animosity  of  his  Catholic  Majesty,  whose  hostility  is  well 
known  to  be  personal.  I  have  neither  men  nor  money  to 
offer  to  you,  but  I  have  means,  I  trust,  soon  to  accomplish 
this  point,  and  I  dedicate  my  useless  life  to  the  attempt." 

It  would  occupy  too  much  of  our  pages,  if  we  were  to 
narrate  all  that  was  said  and  done  at  this  conference, 
which  we  have  been  obliged  to  report,  as  intimately 
connected  with  our  history.  Many  others  addressed  the 
meeting,  proposals  were  made,  rejected,  and  acceded  to. 
Lists  of  adherents  were  produced,  and  of  those  who 
might  be  gained  over.  Resolutions  were  entered  into  and 
recorded,  and  questions  debated.  Before  the  breaking 
up,  the  accounts  of  the  sums  expended,  and  the  monies 
still  on  hand,  were  brought  forward;  and  in  the  former 
items,  the  name  of  Vanslyperken  appeared  rather 
prominent.  As  soon  as  the  accounts  were  audited,  the 
conference  broke  up. 

We  have  said  that,  among  those  who  were  at  the 
conference,  might  be  observed  some  persons  who  might 
be  recognised  as  part  of  the  crew  of  the  lugger.  Such 
was  the  case ;  Sir  Robert  Barclay  and  many  others  were 
men  of  good  family,  and  stout  Jacobites.  These  young 
men  served  in  the  boat  with  the  other  men,  who  were  no 
more  than  common  seamen ;  but  this  was  considered 
necessary  in  those  times  of  treachery.  The  lugger  pulled 
eighteen  oars,  was  clinker  built,  and  very  swift,  even  with 
a  full  cargo.  The  after-oars  were  pulled  by  the 
adherents  of  Sir  Robert,  and  the  arm-chest  was  stowed  in 
the  stern-sheets  :  so  that  these  young  men  being  always 
armed,  no  attempt  to  betray  them,  or  to  rise  against  them, 


266  Snarleyyow;  or, 

on  the  part  of  the  smugglers,  had  they  been  so  inclined, 
could  have  succeeded.  Ramsay's  trust  as  steersman  had 
been  appropriated  to  Jemmy  Salisbury,  but  no  other 
alteration  had  taken  place.  We  have  entered  into  this 
detail  to  prove  the  activity  of  the  Jacobite  party.  About 
an  hour  after  the  conference.  Sir  Robert  and  his  cavaliers 
had  resumed  their  seamen's  attire,  for  they  were  to  go 
over  that  night ;  and  two  hours  before  dusk,  those  who 
had  been  at  a  conference,  in  which  the  fate  of  kingdoms 
and  crowned  heads  was  at  stake,  were  to  be  seen  labouring 
at  the  oar,  in  company  with  common  seamen,  and  urging 
the  fast  boat  through  the  yielding  waters,  towards  her 
haven  at  the  cove. 


Chapter    XXXIV 

Besides  other  Matter,  containing  an  Argument. 

We  left  Ramsay  domiciliated  in  the  house  of  the  syndic 
Van  Krause,  on  excellent  terms  with  his  host,  who  looked 
upon  him  as  the  mirror  of  information,  and  not  a  little  in 
the  good  graces  of  the  syndic's  daughter,  Wilhelmina. 
There  could  not  be  a  more  favourable  opportunity, 
perhaps,  for  a  handsome  and  well-informed  young  man  to 
prosecute  his  addresses  and  to  gain  the  affections  of  the 
latter,  were  he  so  inclined.  Wilhelmina  had  been  brought 
up  in  every  luxury,  but  isolated  from  the  world.  She 
was  now  just  at  the  age  at  which  it  was  her  father's 
intention  to  introduce  her ;  but  romantic  in  her  disposition, 
she  cared  little  for  the  formal  introduction  which  it  was 
intended  should  take  place.  Neither  had  she  seen,  in  any 
of  the  young  Dutch  aristocracy,  most  of  whom  were  well 
known  to  her  by  sight,  as  pointed  out  to  her  by  her  father 
when  riding  with  him,  that  form  and  personal  appearance 
which  her  mind's  eye  had  embodied  in  her  visions  of  her 
future  lover.  Her  mind  was  naturally  refined,  and  she 
looked  for  that  elegance  and  grace  of  deportment  which 


The  Dog  Fiend  267 

she  sought  for  in  vain  among  her  countrymen,  but  which 
had  suddenly  been  presented  to  her  in  the  person  of 
Edward  Ramsay. 

In  the  few  meetings  of  her  father's  friends  at  their 
house,  the  conversation  was  uninteresting,  if  not  dis- 
gusting ;  for  it  was  about  goods  and  merchandise,  money 
and  speculation,  occasionally  interrupted  by  politics,  which 
were  to  her  of  as  little  interest.  How  different  was  the 
demeanour,  the  address,  and  the  conversation  of  the  young 
Englishman,  who  had  been  bred  in  courts,  and,  at  the 
same  time,  had  travelled  much !  There  was  an  interest  in 
all  he  said,  so  much  information  blended  with  novelty  and 
amusement,  so  much  wit  and  pleasantry  crowning  all,  that 
Wilhelmina  was  fascinated  without  her  being  aware  of  it ; 
and,  before  the  terms  of  intimacy  had  warranted  her 
receiving  his  hand  on  meeting,  she  had  already  uncon- 
sciously given  her  heart.  The  opportunities  arising  from 
her  father's  close  attention  to  his  commercial  affairs,  and 
the  mutual  attraction  which  brought  them  together  during 
the  major  part  of  the  day,  she,  anxious  to  be  amused,  and 
he  attracted  by  her  youth  and  beauty,  were  taken  advantage 
of  by  them  both,  and  the  consequence  was  that,  before  ten 
days,  they  were  inseparable. 

The  syndic  either  did  not  perceive  the  danger  to  which 
his  child  was  exposed,  provided  that  there  was  any 
objection  to  the  intimacy,  or  else,  equally  pleased  with 
Ramsay,  he  had  no  objection  to  matters  taking  their 
course. 

As  for  Ramsay,  that  he  had  at  first  cultivated  the 
intimacy  with  Wilhelmina  more  perhaps  from  distraction 
than  with  any  definite  purpose,  is  certain ;  but  he  soon 
found  that  her  attractions  were  too  great  to  permit  him  to 
continue  it,  if  he  had  not  serious  intentions.  "When  he 
had  entered  his  own  room,  before  he  had  been  a  week  in 
the  house,  he  had  taxed  himself  severely  as  to  the  nature 
of  his  feelings,  and  he  was  then  convinced  that  he  must 
avoid  her  company,  which  was  impossible  if  he  remained 
in  the  house,  or,  as  a  man   of  honour,   make   a   timely 


268  Snarleyyow ;  or 

retreat ',  for  Ramsay  was  too  honourable  to  trifle  with  the 
feelings  of  an  innocent  girl.  Having  well  weighed  this 
point,  he  then  calculated  the  probability  of  his  being 
discovered,  and  the  propriety  of  his  continuing  his  atten- 
tions to  the  daughter  of  one  whom  he  was  deceiving,  and 
whose  political  opinions  were  at  such  variance  with  his 
own — but  this  was  a  point  on  which  he  could  come  to  no 
decision.  His  duty  to  the  cause  he  supported  would  not 
allow  him  to  quit  the  house — to  remain  in  the  house 
without  falling  in  love  was  impossible. 

Why  should  his  political  opinions  ever  be  known  ?  and 
why  should  not  Wilhelmina  be  of  the  same  opinion  as  he 

was  ? — and   why Ramsay   fell    asleep,    putting    these 

questions  to  himself,  and  the  next  morning  he  resolved 
that  things  should  take  their  chance. 

It  was  about  a  fortnight  since  the  cutter  had  left  for 
England.  Ramsay  was  rather  impatient  for  intelligence, 
but  the  cutter  had  not  yet  returned.  Breakfast  had  been 
over  some  time.  Mynheer  Van  Krause  had  descended  to 
his  warehouses,  and  Ramsay  and  Wilhelmina  were  sitting 
together  upon  one  of  the  sofas  in  the  saloon,  both  reclining 
and  free  from  that  restraint  of  which  nothing  but  extreme 
intimacy  will  divest  you. 

**  And  so,  my  Wilhelmina,"  said  Ramsay,  taking  up  her 
hand,  which  lay  listless  at  her  side,  and  playing  with  her 
taper  fingers,  "  you  really  think  William  of  Nassau  is  a 
good  man." 

**  And  do  not  you,  Ramsay  ? "  replied  Wilhelmina, 
surprised. 

"  However  I  may  rejoice  at  his  being  on  the  throne  of 
England,  I  doubt  whether  I  can  justify  his  conduct  to  the 
unfortunate  King  James ;  in  leaguing  against  his  own 
father-in-law  and  dispossessing  him  of  his  kingdom. 
Suppose  now,  Wilhelmina,  that  any  fortunate  man  should 
become  one  day  your  husband:  what  a  cruel — what  a 
diabolical  conduct  it  would  be  on  his  part — at  least,  so  it 
appears  to  me — if,  in  return  for  your  father  putting  him  in 
possession  of  perhaps  his  greatest  treasure  on  earth,  he 


The  Dog  Fiend  269 

were  to  seize  upon  all  your  father's  property,  and  leave 
him  a  beggar,  because  other  people  were  to  invite  him  so 
to  do." 

"  I  never  heard  it  placed  in  that  light  before,  Ramsay ; 
that  the  alliance  between  King  William  and  his  father-in- 
law  should  have  made  him  very  scrupulous,  I  grant,  but 
when  the  happiness  of  a  nation  depended  upon  it,  ought 
not  a  person  in  William's  situation  to  waive  all  minor  con- 
siderations ? " 

"  The  happiness  of  a  nation,  Wilhelmina  ?  In  what 
way  would  you  prove  that  so  much  was  at  stake  ? " 

"  Was  not  the  Protestant  religion  at  stake  ?  Is  not 
King  James  a  bigoted  Catholic  ? " 

"  I  grant  that,  and  therefore  ought  not  to  reign  over  a 
Protestant  nation ;  but  if  you  imagine  that  the  happiness 
of  any  nation  depends  upon  his  religion,  I  am  afraid  you 
are  deceived.  Religion  has  been  made  the  excuse  for 
interfering  with  the  happiness  of  a  nation  whenever  no 
better  excuse  could  be  brought  forward ;  but  depend 
upon  it,  the  mass  of  the  people  will  never  quarrel  about 
religion  if  they  are  left  alone,  and  their  interests  not 
interfered  with.  Had  King  James  not  committed  himself 
in  other  points,  he  might  have  worshipped  his  Creator  in 
any  form  he  thought  proper.  That  a  Protestant  king  was 
all  that  was  necessary  to  quiet  the  nation,  is  fully  dis- 
proved by  the  present  state  of  the  country,  now  that  the 
sceptre  has  been,  for  some  years,  swayed  by  King  William, 
it  being,  at  this  moment,  in  a  state  very  nearly  approaching 
to  rebellion." 

"  But  is  not  that  occasioned  by  the  machinations  of  the 
Jacobite  party,  who  are  promoting  dissension  in  every 
quarter  ? "  replied  Wilhelmina. 

"I  grant  that  they  are  not  idle,"  replied  Ramsay ;  "but 
observe  the  state  of  bitter  variance  between  William  and 
the  House  of  Commons,  which  represents  the  people  of 
England.  What  can  religion  have  to  do  with  that  ?  No, 
Wilhelmina ;  although,  in  this  country  there  are  few  who 
do  not  rejoice  at  their  king  being  called  to  the  throne  of 


270  Snarleyyow;  or, 

England,  there  are  many,  and  those  the  most  wise,  in  that 
country,  who  lament  it  quite  as  much.* 

"  But  why  so  ? " 

**  Because  mankind  are  governed  by  interest,  and 
patriotism  is  little  more  than  a  cloak.  The  benefits  to  this 
country,  by  the  alliance  with  England,  are  very  great, 
especially  in  a  commercial  point  of  view,  and  therefore  you 
will  find  no  want  of  patriots ;  but  to  England  the  case  is 
different ;  it  is  not  her  interest  to  be  involved  and  mixed 
up  in  continental  wars  and  dissensions,  which  must  now 
inevitably  be  the  case.  Depend  upon  it,  that  posterity 
will  find  that  England  will  have  paid  very  dear  for  a 
Protestant  king;  religion  is  what  everyone  is  willing  to 
admit  the  propriety  and  necessity  of,  until  they  are  taxed 
to  pay  for  it,  and  then  it  is  astonishing  how  very  indifferent, 
if  not  disgusted,  they  become  to  it." 

"Why,  Ramsay,  one  would  never  imagine  you  to  be 
such  a  warm  partisan  of  the  present  government,  as  I 
believe  you  really  are,  to  hear  you  talk  this  morning," 
replied  Wilhelmina. 

"  My  public  conduct,  as  belonging  to  a  party,  does  not 
prevent  my  having  my  private  opinions.  To  my  party,  I 
am,  and  ever  will  be  steadfast ;  but  knowing  the  world, 
and  the  secret  springs  of  most  people's  actions,  as  I  do, 
you  must  not  be  surprised  at  my  being  so  candid  with 
you,  Wilhelmina.  Our  conversation,  I  believe,  commenced 
upon  the  character  of  King  William ;  and  I  will  confess 
to  you,  that  estimating  the  .two  characters  in  moral  worth, 
I  would  infinitely  prefer  being  the  exiled  and  Catholic 
James  than  the  unnatural  and  crowned  King  William  ? " 

"  You  will  say  next,  that  you  would  just  as  soon  be  a 
Catholic  as  a  Protestant." 

**  And  if  I  had  been  brought  up  in  the  tenets  of  the 
one  instead  of  the  other,  what  difference  would  it  have 
made,  except  that  I  should  have  adhered  to  the  creed  of 
my  forefathers,  and  have  worshipped  the  Almighty  after 
their  fashion,  form,  and  ceremonies  ?  And  are  not  all 
religions  good  if  they  be  sincere  ? — do  not  they  all  tend 


The  Dog  Fiend  271 

to  the  same  object,  and  have  the  same  goal  in  view — 
that  of  gaining  heaven  ?  Would  you  not  prefer  a  good, 
honest,  conscientious  man,  were  he  a  Catholic,  to  a  mean, 
intriguing,  and  unworthy  person,  who  professed  himself 
a  Protestant  ?  " 

"  Most  certainly ;  but  I  should  prefer  to  the  just 
Catholic,  a  man  who  was  a  just  Protestant." 

"  That  is  but  natural  j  but  recollect,  Wilhelmina,  you 
have  seen  and  heard,  as  yet,  but  one  side  of  the  question  -, 
and  if  I  speak  freely  to  you,  it  is  only  to  give  you  the 
advantage  of  my  experience  from  having  mixed  with  the 
world.  I  am  true  to  my  party,  and,  as  a  man,  I  must 
belong  to  a  party,  or  I  become  a  nonentity.  But  were  I 
in  a  condition  so  unshackled  that  I  might  take  up  or  lay 
down  my  opinions  as  I  pleased,  without  loss  of  character 
— as  a  woman  may,  for  instance — so  little  do  I  care  for 
party — so  well  balanced  do  I  know  the  right  and  the 
wrong  to  be  on  both  sides — that  I  would,  to  please  one 
I  loved,  at  once  yield  up  my  opinions,  to  agree  with 
her,  if  she  would  not  yield  up  hers  to  agree  with  mine," 

**Then  you  think  a  woman  might  do  so?  that  is  no 
compliment  to  the  sex,  Ramsay ;  for  it  is  as  much  as  to 
assert  that  we  have  not  only  no  weight  or  influence  in  the 
world,  but  also  that  we  have  no  character  or  stability." 

**  Far  from  it  j  I  only  mean  to  say  that  women  do  not 
generally  enter  sufficiently  into  politics  to  care  much  for 
them  J  they  generally  imbibe  the  politics  of  those  they 
Jive  with,  without  further  examination,  and  that  it  is  no 
disgrace  to  them  if  they  change  them.  Besides,  there  is 
one  feeling  in  women  so  powerful  as  to  conquer  all 
others,  and  when  once  that  enters  the  breast,  the 
remainder  are  absorbed  or  become  obedient  to  it." 

"  And  that  feeling  is " 

"  Love,  Wilhelmina ;  and  if  a  woman  happens  to  have 
been  brought  up  in  one  way  of  thinking  by  her  parents, 
when  she  transfers  her  affections  to  her  husband,  should 
his  politics  be  adverse,  she  will  soon  come  round  to  his 
opinion,  if  she  really  loves  him." 


272  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"  I  am  not  quite  so  sure  of  that,  Ramsay." 

"  I  am  quite  sure  she  ought.  Politics  and  party  are 
ever  a  subject  of  dispute,  and  therefore  should  be  avoided 
by  a  wife  ;  besides,  if  a  woman  selects  one  as  her  husband, 
her  guide  and  counsellor  through  life,  one  whom  she 
swears  to  love,  honour,  cherish,  and  obey,  she  gives  but 
a  poor  proof  of  it,  if  she  does  not  yield  up  her  judgment 
in  all  matters  more  peculiarly  his  province." 

"  You  really  put  things  in  such  a  new  light,  Ramsay, 
that  I  hardly  know  how  to  answer  you,  even  when  I  am 
not  convinced." 

"  Because  you  have  not  had  sufficient  time  for  reflection, 
Wilhelminaj  but  weigh  well,  and  dwell  upon  what  I 
have  said,  and  then  you  will  either  acknowledge  that  I 
am  right,  or  find  arguments  to  prove  that  I  am  wrong. 
But  you  promised  me  some  singing.  Let  me  lead  you 
into  the  music-room." 

We  have  introduced  this  conversation  between  Wilhel- 
mina  and  Ramsay,  to  show  not  only  what  influence  he 
had  already  gained  over  the  artless,  yet  intelligent  girl, 
but  also  the  way  by  which  he  considerately  prepared  her 
for  the  acknowledgment  which  he  resolved  to  make  to  her 
on  some  future  opportunity ;  for,  although  Ramsay  cared 
little  for  deceiving  the  father,  he  would  not  have  married 
the  daughter  without  her  being  fully  aware  of  who  he 
was.  These  conversations  were  constantly  renewed,  as 
if  accidentally,  by  Ramsay ;  and  long  before  he  had  talked 
in  direct  terms  of  love,  he  had  fully  prepared  her  for  it, 
so  that  he  felt  she  would  not  receive  a  very  severe  shock 
when  he  threw  off  the  mask,  even  when  she  discovered 
that  he  was  a  Catholic,  and  opposed  to  her  father  in 
religion  as  well  as  in  politics.  The  fact  was,  that  Ramsay, 
at  first,  was  as  much  attracted  by  her  wealth  as  by  her 
personal  charms ;  but,  like  many  other  men,  as  his  love 
increased,  so  did  he  gradually  become  indifferent  to  her 
wealth,  and  he  was  determined  to  win  her  for  his  wife  in 
spite  of  all  obstacles,  and  even  if  he  were  obliged,  to  secure 
her  hand,  by  carrying  her  off  without  the  paternal  consent. 


The  Dog  Fiend  273 

Had  it  been  requisite,  it  is  not  certain  whether  Ramsay- 
might  not  have  been  persuaded  to  have  abandoned  his 
party,  so  infatuated  had  he  at  last  become  with  the  really 
fascinating  Wilhelmina. 

But  Ramsay  was  interrupted  in  the  middle  of  one  of  his 
most  favourite  songs  by  old  Koops,  who  informed  him 
that  the  lieutenant  of  the  cutter  was  waiting  for  him  in  his 
room.  Apologising  for  the  necessary  absence,  Ramsay 
quitted  the  music-room,  and  hastened  to  meet  Vansly- 
perken. 

Mr  Vanslyperken  had  received  his  orders  to  return  to 
the  Hague  a  few  days  after  the  fright  he  had  received  from 
the  nasal  organ  of  the  corporal.  In  pursuance  of  his 
instructions  from  Ramsay,  he  had  not  failed  to  open  all  the 
government  despatches,  and  extract  their  contents.  He 
had  also  brought  over  letters  from  Ramsay's  adherents. 

**  You  are  sure  these  extracts  are  quite  correct  ?  "  said 
Ramsay,  after  he  had  read  them  over. 

**  Quite  so,  sir,"  replied  Vanslyperken. 

"  And  you  have  been  careful  to  seal  the  letters  again, 
so  as  to  avoid  suspicion  ? " 

**  Does  not  my  life  depend  upon  it,  Mr  Ramsay  ? " 

"Very  true,  and  also  upon  your  fidelity  to  us.  Here's 
your  money.  Let  me  know  when  you  sail,  and  come  for 
orders." 

Vanslyperken  then  took  his  bag  of  money,  made  his  bow, 
and  departed,  and  Ramsay  commenced  reading  over  the 
letters  received  from  his  friends.  Mynheer  Van  Krause 
observed  Vanslyperken  as  he  was  leaving  the  house,  and 
immediately  hastened  to  Ramsay's  room  to  inquire  the 
news.  A  portion  of  the  contents  of  the  despatches  were 
made  known  to  him,  and  the  syndic  was  very  soon  after- 
wards seen  to  walk  out,  leaving  his  people  to  mark  and 
tally  the  bales  which  were  hoisting  out  from  a  vessel  in 
the  canal.  The  fact  was,  that  Mynheer  Van  Krause  was 
so  anxious  to  get  rid  of  his  secret,  that  he  could  not 
contain  himself  any  longer,  and  had  set  off  to  communicate 
to  one  of  the  authorities  what  he  had  obtained. 


2 74  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"But  from  whence  did  you  receive  this  intelligence. 
Mynheer  Krause,"  demanded  the  other.  "  The  despatches 
have  not  yet  been  opened  ;  we  are  waiting  for  Mynheer 
Van  Wejen.  I  suppose  we  shall  learn  something  there. 
You  knew  all  before  we  did,  when  the  cutter  arrived  last 
time.  You  must  have  some  important  friends  at  the 
English  court,  Mynheer  Van  Krause." 

Here  Mynheer  Krause  nodded  his  head,  and  looked 
very  knowing,  and  shortly  afterwards  took  his  leave. 

But  this  particular  friend  of  Mynheer  Krause  was  also 
his  particular  enemy.  Krause  had  lately  imparted  secrets 
which  were  supposed  to  be  known  and  entrusted  to  none 
but  those  in  the  entire  confidence  of  the  government. 
How  could  he  have  obtained  them  unless  by  the  treachery 
of  some  one  at  home ;  and  why  should  Mynheer  Krause, 
who  was  not  trusted  by  the  government  there,  notwith- 
standing his  high  civil  office,  because  he  was  known  to  be 
unsafe,  be  trusted  by  some  one  at  home,  unless  it  were  for 
treacherous  purposes  ?  So  argued  Mr  Krause's  most 
particular  friend,  who  thought  it  proper  to  make  known 
his  opinions  on  the  subject,  and  to  submit  to  the  other 
authorities  whether  this  was  not  a  fair  subject  for  repre- 
sentation in  their  next  despatches  to  England  *,  and  in 
consequence  of  his  suggestion,  the  representation  was  duly 
made.  Mynheer  Krause  was  not  the  first  person  whose 
tongue  had  got  him  into  difficulties. 

So  soon  as  Vanslyperken  had  delivered  his  despatches 
to  Ramsay,  he  proceeded  to  the  widow  Vandersloosh, 
when,  as  usual,  he  was  received  with  every  apparent  mark 
of  cordial  welcome,  was  again  installed  on  the  little  sofa, 
and  again  drank  the  beer  of  the  widow's  own  brewing,  and 
was  permitted  to  take  her  fat  hand.  Babette  inquired 
after  the  corporal,  and,  when  rallied  by  the  lieutenant, 
appeared  to  blush,  and  turned  her  head  away.  The 
widow  also  assisted  in  the  play,  and  declared  that  it  should 
be  a  match,  and  that  Babette  and  herself  should  be  married 
on  the  same  day.  As  the  evening  drew  nigh,  Vanslyperken 
took  his  leave,  and  went  on  board,  giving  permission  to 


The  Dog  Fiend  2ys 

the  corporal  to  go  on  shore,  and  very  soon  the  corporal 
was  installed  in  his  place. 

This  is  a  sad  world  of  treachery  and  deceit. 


Chapter  XXXV 

In  which  the  agency  of  a  red-herring  is  again  introduced  into  our  wonderful 

history. 

"We  are  somewhat  inclined  to  moralise.  "We  did  not 
intend  to  write  this  day.  On  the  contrary,  we  had 
arranged  for  a  party  of  pleasure  and  relaxation,  in  which 
the  heels,  and  every  other  portion  of  the  body  upwards, 
except  the  brain,  were  to  be  employed,  and  that  was  to 
have  a  respite.  The  morning  was  fair,  and  we  promised 
ourselves  amusement,  but  we  were  deceived,  and  we 
returned  to  our  task,  as  the  rain  poured  down  in  torrents, 
washing  the  dirty  face  of  mother  earth.  Yes,  deceived  ; 
and  here  we  cannot  help  observing,  that  this  history  of 
ours  is  a  very  true  picture  of  human  life — for  what  a 
complication  of  treachery  does  it  not  involve  ! 

Smallbones  is  deceiving  his  master,  Mr  Vanslyperken 
— the  corporal  is  deceiving  Mr  Vanslyperken — the  widow 
is  deceiving  Mr  Vanslyperken,  so  is  Babette,  and  the 
whole  crew  of  the  Tungfrau,  Ramsay  is  deceiving  his 
host  and  his  mistress.  All  the  Jacobites,  in  a  mass,  are 
plotting  against  and  deceiving  the  government,  and  as  for 
Mr  Vanslyperken ;  as  it  will  soon  appear,  he  is  deceiving 
everybody,  and  will  ultimately  deceive  himself.  The 
only  honest  party  in  the  whole  history  is  the  one  most 
hated,  as  generally  is  the  case  in  this  world— I  mean 
Snarleyyow.  There  is  no  deceit  about  him,  and  there- 
fore, par  excellence,  he  is  fairly  entitled  to  be  the  hero  of, 
and  to  give  his  name  to,  the  work.  The  next  most  honest 
party  in  the  book  is  "Wilhelminaj  all  the  other  women, 
except  little  Lilly,  are  cheats  and  impostors — and  Lilly  is 
too  young  ;   our   readers   may,    therefore,  be  pleased  to 


'I'jd  Snarleyyow;  or, 

consider  Snarleyyow  and  Wilhelmina  as  the  hero  and 
the  heroine  of  the  tale,  and  then  it  will  leave  one  curious 
feature  in  it,  the  principals  will  not  only  not  be  united, 
but  the  tale  will  wind  up  without  their  ever  seeing  each 
other.     Allans  en  avant. 

But  of  all  the  treachery  practised  by  all  the  parties, 
it  certainly  appears  to  us  that  the  treachery  of  the  widow 
was  the  most  odious  and  diabolical.  She  was  like  a  bloated 
spider,  slowly  entwining  those  threads  for  her  victim 
which  were  to  entrap  him  to  his  destruction,  for  she  had 
vow^ed  that  she  never  would  again  be  led  to  the  hymeneal 
altar  until  Mr  Vanslyperken  was  hanged.  Perhaps,  the 
widow  Vandersloosh  was  in  a  hurry  to  be  married,  at 
least,  by  her  activity,  it  would  so  appear— but  let  us  not 
anticipate. 

The  little  sofa  was  fortunately  like  its  build,  strong 
as  a  cob,  or  it  never  could  have  borne  the  weight  of  two 
such  lovers  as  the  widow  Vandersloosh  and  the  Corporal 
Van  Spitter;  there  they  sat,  she  radiant  with  love  and 
beer,  he  with  ditto ;  their  sides  met,  for  the  sofa  exactly 
took  them  both  in,  without  an  inch  to  spare ;  their  hands 
met,  their  eyes  met,  and  whenever  one  raised  the  glass, 
the  other  was  on  the  alert,  and  their  glasses  met  and 
jingled — a  more  practical  specimen  of  hob  and  nob  was 
never  witnessed.  There  was  but  one  thing  wanting  to 
complete  their  happiness,  which,  unlike  other  people's, 
did  not  hang  upon  a  thread,  but  something  much  stronger, 
it  hung  upon  a  cord ;  the  cord  which  was  to  hang  Mr 
Vanslyperken. 

And  now  the  widow,  like  the  three  fates  rolled  into 
one,  is  weaving  the  woof,  and,  in  good  Dutch,  is  pouring 
into  the  attentive  ear  of  the  corporal  her  hopes  and  fears, 
her  surmises,  her  wishes,  her  anticipations,  and  her 
desires — and  he  imbibes  them  all  greedily,  washing  them 
down  with  the  beer  of  the  widow's  own  brewing. 

"He  has  not  been  to  the  house  opposite  these  two 
last  arrivals,"  said  the  widow,  "  that  is  certain ;  for 
Babette  and   I    have  been   on   the   watch.      There   was 


The  Dog  Fiend  277 

hanging  matter  there.  Now  I  won't  believfe  but  that  he 
must  go  somewhere  5  he  carries  his  letters,  and  takes  his 
gold  as  before,  depend  upon  it.  Yes,  and  I  will  find  it 
out.  Yes,  yes,  Mr  Vanslyperken,  we  will  see  who  is 
the  'cutest — you,  or  the  widow  Vandersloosh." 

**  Mein  Gott,  yes  !  "  replied  the  corporal. 

"Now  he  landed  a  passenger  last  time,  which  he 
called  a  king's  messenger,  and  I  am  as  sure  as  I  sit  here 
that  he  was  no  king's  messenger,  unless  he  was  one  of 
King  James's  as  was ;  for  look  you,  Corporal  Van  Spitter, 
do  you  suppose  that  King  William  would  employ  an 
Englishman,  as  you  say  he  was,  for  a  messenger,  when 
a  Dutchman  was  to  be  had  for  love  or  money  ? 

**  No,  no,  we  must  find  out  where  he  goes  to.  I  will 
have  some  one  on  the  look  out  when  you  come  again, 
and  then  set  Babette  on  the  watch ;  she  shall  track  him 
up  to  the  den  of  his  treachery.  Yes,  yes,  Mr  Vansly- 
perken, we  will  see  who  gains  the  day,  you  or  the  widow 
Vandersloosh." 

"  Mein  Gott !  yes,"  replied  the  corporal. 

"  And  now,  corporal,  I've  been  thinking  over  all  this 
ever  since  your  absence,  and  all  you  have  told  me  about 
his  cowardly  attempts  upon  that  poor  boy's  life,  and  his 
still  greater  cowardice  in  believing  such  stuff  as  you  have 
made  him  believe  about  the  lad  not  being  injured  by 
mortal  man.  Stuff  and  nonsense !  the  lad  is  but  a 
lad." 

"  Mein  Gott !  yes,"  said  the  corporal. 

**  And  now,  corporal,  I'll  tell  you  something  else,  which 
is,  that  you  and  the  Tungfraus  are  just  as  great  fools  as 
Mynheer  Vanslyperken,  in  believing  all  that  stuff  and 
nonsense  about  the  dog.     The  dog  is  but  a  dog." 

This  was  rather  a  trial  to  the  corporal's  politeness ;  to 
deny  what  the  widow  said,  might  displease,  and,  as  he 
firmly  believed  otherwise,  he  was  put  to  a  nonplus ;  but 
the  widow  looked  him  full  in  the  face,  expecting  assent, 
so  at  last  the  corporal  drawled  out,  "  Mein  Gott !  yes — 
a  tog  is  but  a  tog." 


278  Snarleyyow;  or, 

The  widow  was  satisfied,  and  not  perceiving  the  nice 
distinction,  continued. 

"  "Well,  then,  corporal,  as  a  lad  is  but  a  lad,  and  a  dog 
is  but  a  dog,  I  have  been  setting  my  wits  to  work  about 
getting  the  rascally  traitor  in  my  power.  I  mean  to  pre- 
tend to  take  every  interest  in  him,  and  to  get  all  his 
secrets,  and  then,  when  he  tells  me  that  Smallbones  cannot 
be  hurt  by  mortal  man,  I  shall  say  he  can  by  woman,  at 
all  events ;  and  then  I  shall  make  a  proposition,  which 
he'll  accept  fast  enough,  and  then  I'll  have  more  hanging 
matter  for  him,  besides  getting  rid  of  the  cur.  Yes,  yes, 
Mr  Vanslyperken,  match  a  woman  if  you  can.  We'll  see 
if  your  dog  is  to  take  possession  of  my  bedroom  again." 

"  Mein  Gott !  yes,"  replied  the  corporal  again. 

"  And  now  I'll  tell  you  what  I'll  do,  Mr  Corporal ; 
I  will  prepare  it  myself;  and,  then,  Mr  Vanslyperken 
shall  have  it  grilled  for  his  breakfast,  and  then  he  shall 
not  eat  it,  but  leave  it  for  Smallbones,  and  then  Smallbones 
shall  pretend  to  eat  it,  but  put  it  in  his  pocket,  and  then 
(for  it  won't  do  to  do  it  on  board,  or  he'll  find  out  that 
the  lad  has  given  it  to  the  dog)  he  shall  bring  it  on  shore, 
and  give  it  to  the  dog  here  in  the  yard,  so  that  he  shall 
kill  the  dog  himself,  by  wishing  to  kill  others.  Do  you 
understand,  corporal  ?  " 

"  Mein  Gott !  yes,  I  understand  what  you  say ;  but 
what  is  it  that  you  are  to  prepare  ? " 

"What  ?  why,  a  red-herring  to  be  sure." 

"  But  how  will  a  red-herring  kill  a  body  or  a  dog  ?" 

"Lord,   corporal,   how   stupid   you   are;    I'm   to    put 


"  Yes  ;  but  you  left  that  out  till  now." 

"  Did  I  ?  well,  that  was  an  oversight ;  but  now, 
corporal,  you  understand  it  all  ? " 

"  Mein  Gott !  yes ;  but  if  the  lad  does  not  die,  what 
will  he  think  ? " 

"  Think !  that  he  can  take  poison  like  pea-soup,  without 
injury,  and  that  neither  man  nor  woman  can  take  his  life ; 
be  afraid  of  the  lad,  and  leave  him  alone." 


The  Dog  Fiend  279 

^'  Mein  Gott !  yes,"  replied  the  rather  obtuse  corporal, 
who  now  understood  the  whole  plot. 

Such  was  the  snare  laid  for  Mr  Vanslyperken  by  the 
treacherous  widow ;  and  before  the  cutter  sailed,  it  was 
put  in  execution.  She  received  the  lieutenant  now  as  an 
accepted  lover,  allowed  him  to  talk  of  the  day,  wormed 
out  of  him  all  his  secrets  except  that  of  his  treason,  abused 
Smallbones,  and  acknowledged  that  she  had  been  too 
hasty  about  the  dog,  which  she  would  be  very  happy 
to  see  on  shore.  Vanslyperken  could  hardly  believe  his 
senses — the  widow  forgive  Snarleyyow,  and  all  for  his 
sake,  he  was  delighted,  enchanted,  threw  himself  at  her 
feet,  and  vowed  eternal  gratitude  with  his  lips — but 
vengeance  in  his  heart. 

Oh  !  Mr  Vanslyperken,  you  deserved  to  be  deceived. 

The  dislike  expressed  by  the  widow  against  Smallbones 
was  also  very  agreeable  to  the  lieutenant,  and  he  made 
her  his  confidant,  stating  what  the  corporal  had  told  him 
relative  to  the  appearance  of  Smallbones  when  he  was 
adrift. 

"  Well  then,  lieutenant,"  said  the  widow,  "  if  mortal 
man  can't  hurt  him,  mortal  woman  may ;  and  for  my  love 
for  you  I  will  prepare  what  will  rid  you  of  him.  But, 
Vanslyperken,  recollect  there's  nothing  I  would  not  do 
for  you  J  but  if  it  were  found  out — O  dear  !  O  dear  !  " 

The  widow  then  informed  him  that  she  would  prepare 
a  red-herring  with  arsenic,  which  he  should  take  on  board, 
and  order  Smallbones  to  grill  for  his  breakfast ;  that  he 
was  to  pretend  not  to  be  well,  and  to  allow  it  to  be  takea 
away  by  the  lad,  who  would,  of  course,  eat  it  fast  enough. 

*'  Excellent !  "  replied  Vanslyperken,  who  felt  not  only 
that  he  should  get  rid  of  Smallbones,  but  have  the  widow 
in  his  power.  "  Dearest  widow,  how  can  I  be  sufficiently 
grateful  ?  Oh !  how  kind,  how  amiable  you  are  !  "  con- 
tinued Vanslyperken,  mumbling  her  fat  fingers,  which 
the  widow  abandoned  to  him  without  reserve. 

Who  would  have  believed  that,  between  these  two, 
there  existed  a  deadly  hatred  ?     We  might  imagine  such 


28o  Snarleyyow;  or, 

a  thing  to  take  place  in  the  refinement  and  artificial  air 
of  a  court,  but  not  in  a  Dutch  Lust  Haus  at  Amsterdam. 
That  evening,  before  his  departure,  did  the  widow  present 
her  swain  with  the  fatal  herring ;  and  the  swain  received 
it  with  as  many  marks  of  gratitude  and  respect,  as  some 
knight  in  ancient  times  would  have  shown  when  presented 
with  some  magical  gift  by  his  favouring  genius. 

The  red-herring  itself  was  but  a  red-herring,  but  the 
charm  consisted  in  the  two-pennyworth  of  arsenic. 

The  next  morning  Vanslyperken  did  not  fail  to  order 
the  red-herring  for  his  breakfast,  but  took  good  care  not 
to  eat  it. 

Smallbones,  who  had  been  duly  apprised  of  the  whole 
plan,  asked  his  master,  as  he  cleared  away,  whether  he 
should  keep  the  red-herring  for  the  next  day;  but  Mr 
Vanslyperken  very  graciously  informed  him  that  he  might 
eat  it  himself.  About  an  hour  afterwards  Mr  Vansly- 
perken went  on  shore,  taking  with  him,  for  the  first  time, 
Snarleyyow,  and  desiring  Smallbones  to  come  with  him, 
with  a  bag  of  biscuit  for  the  widow.  This  plan  had  been 
proposed  by  the  widow,  as  Smallbones  might  be  supposed 
to  have  eaten  something  on  shore.  Smallbones  took  as 
good  care  as  his  master  not  to  eat  the  herring,  but  put  it  in 
his  pocket  as  a  honne  houche  for  Snarleyyow.  Mr  Vansly- 
perken, as  they  pulled  on  shore,  thought  that  the  lad  smelt 
very  strong  of  herring,  and  this  satisfied  him  that  he  had 
eaten  it ;  but  to  make  more  sure,  he  exclaimed,  "  Confound 
it,  how  you  smell  of  red-herring  !  " 

**  That's  all  along  of  having  eaten  one,  sir,"  replied 
Smallbones,  grinning. 

**  You'll  grin  in  another  way  before  an  hour  is  over," 
thought  his  master. 

The  lieutenant,  the  dog,  and  the  biscuit  were  all 
graciously  received. 

"  Has  he  eaten  it  ? "  inquired  the  widow. 

"  Yes,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  with  a  nod.  "  Empty 
the  bag,  and  I  will  send  him  on  board  again." 

"  Not  yet,  not  yet — give  him  half  an  hour  to  saunter,  it 


The  Dog  Fiend  281 

will  be  better.  That  poor  dog  of  yours  must  want  a  little 
grass,"  said  the  widow,  **  always  being  on  board.  Let 
him  run  a  little  in  the  yard,  he  will  find  plenty  there." 

The  obedient  lieutenant  opened  the  back-door,  and  Snar- 
leyyow,  who  had  not  forgotten  either  the  widow  or  Babette, 
went  out  of  his  own  accord.  Mr  Vanslyperken  looked  to 
ascertain  if  the  yard-door,  which  led  to  the  street,  was 
fast,  and  then  returned,  shutting  the  back-door  after  him. 

Smallbones  was  waiting  at  the  porch  as  usual. 

"  Babette,"  cried  the  widow,  "  mind  you  don't  open  the 
yard-door  and  let  Mr  Vanslyperken's  dog  out.  Do  you 
hear  ? " 

Smallbones,  who  understood  this  as  the  signal,  imme- 
diately slipped  round,  opened  the  yard-door,  took  the 
herring  out  of  his  pocket,  and  threw  it  to  Snarleyyow. 
The  dog  came  to  it,  smelt  it,  seized  it,  and  walked  off, 
with  his  ears  and  tail  up,  to  the  sunny  side  of  the  yard, 
intending  to  have  a  good  meal ;  and  Smallbones,  who  was 
afraid  of  Mr  Vanslyperken  catching  him  in  the  act,  came 
out  of  the  yard,  and  hastened  to  his  former  post  at  the 
porch.  He  caught  Babette's  eye,  coming  down  stairs,  and 
winked  and  smiled.  Babette  walked  into  the  room,  caught 
the  eye  of  the  mistress,  and  winked  and  smiled.  Upon 
which,  the  widow  ordered  Babette  to  empty  the  bread-bag 
and  give  it  to  Smallbones,  to  take  on  board, — an  order 
repeated  by  Vanslyperken.  Before  he  returned  to  the 
boat,  Smallbones  again  passed  round  to  the  yard-door. 
Snarleyyow  was  there,  but  no  signs  of  the  red-herring. 
"  He's  a  eaten  it  all,  by  gum,"  said  Smallbones,  grinning, 
and  walking  away  to  the  boat,  with  the  bread-bag  over  his 
shoulder.  As  soon  as  he  had  arrived  on  board,  the  lad 
<:ommunicated  the  fact  to  the  crew  of  the  Tutigfrauy  whose 
spirits  were  raised  by  the  intelligence,  with  the  exception 
still  of  old  Coble,  who  shook  his  head,  and  declared,  "It 
was  twopence  and  a  red-herring  thrown  away." 

Mr  Vanslyperken  returned  on  board  in  the  afternoon, 
fully  expecting  to  hear  of  Smallbones  being  very  ill.  He 
was  surprised  that  the  man  in  the  boat  did  not  tell  him, 


282  Snarleyyow;  or, 

and  he  asked  them  carelessly  if  there  was  anything  new  on 
board,  but  received  a  reply  in  the  negative.  When  he 
came  on  board,  followed  by  Snarleyyow,  the  eyes  of  the 
crew  were  directed  towards  the  dog,  to  see  how  he 
looked ;  but  he  appeared  just  as  lively  and  as  cross- 
grained  as  ever,  and  they  all  shook  their  heads. 

Vanslyperken  sent  for  Smallbones,  and  looked  him  hard 
in  the  face.     "  Ar'n't  you  well  ?  "  inquired  he. 

"  Well,  sir  !  "  replied  Smallbones :  "I'd  a  bit  of  a 
twinge  in  my  stummick  this  morning,  but  it's  all  gone 
off  now." 

Mr  Vanslyperken  waited  the  whole  day  for  Smallbones 
to  die,  but  he  did  not.  The  crew  of  the  vessel  waited  the 
whole  day  for  the  cur  to  die,  but  he  did  not.  What 
inference  could  be  drawn.  The  crew  made  up  their  minds 
that  the  dog  was  supernatural ;  and  old  Coble  told  them 
that  he  told  them  so.  Mr  Vanslyperken  made  up  his  mind 
that  Smallbones  was  supernatural,  and  the  corporal  shook 
his  head,  and  told  him  that  he  told  him  so. 

The  reason  why  Snarleyyow  did  not  die  was  simply 
this,  that  he  did  not  eat  the  red-herring.  He  had  just 
laid  it  between  his  paws,  and  was  about  to  commence, 
when  Smallbones,  having  left  the  yard-door  open  in  his 
hurry,  the  dog  was  perceived  by  a  dog  bigger  than  he, 
who  happened  to  pass  that  way,  and  who  pounced  upon 
Snarleyyow,  trampling  him  over  and  over,  and  walked  off 
with  the  red-herring,  which  he  had  better  have  left  alone, 
as  he  was  found  dead  the  next  morning. 

The  widow  heard,  both  from  the  corporal  and  Vansly- 
perken, the  failure  of  both  their  projects.  That  Small- 
bones was  not  poisoned  she  was  not  surprised  to  hear,  but 
she  took  care  to  agree  with  Vanslyperken  that  all  attempts 
upon  him  were  useless ;  but  that  the  dog  still  lived  was 
indeed  a  matter  of  surprise,  and  the  widow  became  a 
convert  to  the  corporal's  opinion  that  the  dog  was  not  to 
be  destroyed. 

"  A  whole  two-pennyworth  of  arsenic  !  Babette,  only 
think  what  a  cur  it  must  be  !  "     And  Babette,  as  well  as 


The  Dog  Fiend  283 

her  mistress,  lifted  up  her  hands  in  amazement,  exclaiming, 
"  What  a  cur  indeed  !  " 


Chapter    XXXVI 

In  which  Mr  Vanslyperken,  although  at  fault,  comes  in  for  the  brush. 

Vanslyperken  having  obtained  his  despatches  from  the 
States  General,  called  at  the  house  of  Mynheer  Krause, 
and  received  the  letters  of  Ramsay,  then,  once  more,  the 
cutter's  head  was  turned  towards  England. 

It  may  be  as  well  to  remind  the  reader,  that  it  was  in 
the  month  of  January,  sixteen  hundred  and  ninety-nine, 
that  we  first  introduced  Mr  Vanslyperken  and  his  contem- 
poraries to  his  notice,  and  that  all  the  important  events, 
which  we  have  recorded,  have  taken  place  between  that 
date  and  the  month  of  May,  which  is  now  arrived.  We 
think,  indeed,  that  the  peculiar  merit  of  this  work  is  its 
remarkable  unity  of  time  and  place ;  for,  be  it  observed, 
we  intend  to  finish  it  long  before  the  year  is  out,  and  our 
whole  scene  is,  it  may  be  said,  laid  in  the  channel,  or 
between  the  channel  and  the  Texel,  which,  considering  it 
is  an  historical  novel,  is  remarkable.  Examine  other  pro- 
ductions of  this  nature,  founded  upon  historical  facts,  like 
our  own,  and  observe  the  difference.  Read  Scott,  Bulwer, 
James,  or  Grattan,  read  their  historical  novels,  and  observe 
how  they  fly  about  from  country  to  country,  and  from 
clime  to  clime.  As  the  Scythians  said  to  Alexander,  their 
right  arm  extends  to  the  east,  and  their  left  to  the  west, 
and  the  world  can  hardly  contain  them.  And  over  how 
many  years  do  they  extend  their  pages  ?  while  our  bantling 
is  produced  in  the  regular  nine  months,  being  the  exact 
period  of  time  which  is  required  for  my  three  volumes. 
It  must,  therefore,  be  allowed  that  in  unity  of  time,  and 
place  and  design,  and  adherence  to  facts,  our  historical 
novel  is  unique. 


284  Snarleyyow;  or, 

We  said  that  it  was  the  month  of  May — not  May  coining 
in  as  she  does  sometimes  in  her  caprice,  pouting,  and  out 
of  humour — but  May  all  in  smiles.  The  weather  was 
warm,  and  the  sea  was  smooth,  and  the  men  of  the  cutter 
had  stowed  away  their  pea-jackets,  and  had  pulled  off  their 
fishermen's  boots,  and  had  substituted  shoes.  Mr  Vansly- 
perken  did  not  often  appear  on  deck  during  the  passage. 
He  was  very  busy  down  below,  and  spread  a  piece  of 
bunting  across  the  skylight,  so  that  no  one  could  look 
down  and  see  what  he  was  about,  and  the  cabin-door  was 
almost  always  locked.  What  could  Mr  Vanslyperken  be 
about  ?  No  one  knew  but  Snarleyyow,  and  Snarleyyow 
could  not  or  would  not  tell. 

The  cutter  anchored  in  her  old  berth,  and  Vanslyperken, 
as  usual,  went  on  shore,  with  his  double  set  of  despatches, 
which  were  duly  delivered ;  and  then  Mr  Vanslyperken 
went  up  the  main  street,  and  turned  into  a  jeweller's  shop. 
What  could  Mr  Vanslyperken  do  there  ?  Surely  it  was 
to  purchase  something  for  the  widow  Vandersloosh — a 
necklace  or  pair  of  ear-rings.  No,  it  was  not  with  that 
intention;  but  nevertheless,  Mr  Vanslyperken  remained 
there  for  a  long  v/hile,  and  then  was  seen  to  depart.  Seen 
by  whom  ?  By  Moggy  Salisbury,  who  had  observed  his 
entering,  and  who  could  not  imagine  why  ;  she,  however, 
said  nothing,  but  she  marked  the  shop,  and  walked  away. 

The  next  day,  Mr  Vanslyperken  went  on  shore,  to  put 
into  his  mother's  charge  the  money  which  he  had  received 
from  Ramsay,  and  narrated  all  that  had  passed — how 
Smallbones  had  swallowed  two-pennyworth  of  arsenic  with 
no  more  effect  upon  him  than  one  twinge  in  his  stomach, 
and  how  he  now  fully  believed  that  nothing  would  kill  the 
boy. 

"  Pshaw  !  child — phut ! — nonsense  ! — nothing  kill  him  ? 
— had  he  been  in  my  hands,  old  as  they  are,  and  shaking 
as  they  do,  he  would  not  have  lived;  no,  no — nobody 
escapes  me  when  I  am  determined.  We'll  talk  about  that, 
but  not  now,  Cornelius  ;  the  weather  has  turned  warm  at 
last,  and  there  is  no  need  of  fire.     Go,  child,  the  money 


The  Dog  Fiend  285 

is  locked  up  safe,  and  I  have  my  mood  upon  me — I  may 
even  do  you  a  mischief." 

Vanslyperken,  who  knew  that  it  was  useless  to  remain 
after  this  hint,  walked  off  and  returned  on  board.  As  he 
pulled  off,  he  passed  a  boat,  apparently  coming  from  the 
cutter,  with  Moggy  Salisbury  sitting  in  the  stern-sheets. 
She  waved  her  hand  at  him,  and  laughed  ironically. 

"  Impudent  hussy  !  "  thought  Vanslyperken,  as  she 
passed,  but  he  dared  not  say  a  word.  He  turned  pale 
with  rage,  and  turned  his  head  away ;  but  little  did  he 
imagine,  at  the  time,  what  great  cause  he  had  of  indigna- 
tion. Moggy  had  been  three  hours  on  board  of  the  cutter 
talking  with  the  men,  but  more  particularly  with  Smallbones 
and  the  corporal,  with  which  two  she  had  been  in  earnest 
conference  for  the  first  hour  that  she  was  on  board. 

Moggy's  animosity  to  Vanslyperken  is  well  known,  and 
she  ridiculed  the  idea  of  Snarleyyow  being  anything  more 
than  an  uncommon  lucky  dog  in  escaping  so  often.  Small- 
bones  was  of  her  opinion,  and  again  declared  his  intention 
of  doing  the  dog  a  mischief  as  soon  as  he  could.  Moggy, 
after  her  conference  with  these  two,  mixed  with  the  ship's 
company,  with  whom  she  had  always  been  a  favourite,  and 
the  corporal  proceeded  to  superintend  the  cutting  up  and 
the  distribution  of  the  fresh  beef  which  had  that  morning 
come  on  board. 

The  beef  block  was  on  the  forecastle,  where  the  major 
part  of  the  crew,  with  Moggy,  were  assembled ;  Snarleyyow 
had  always  attended  the  corporal  on  these  occasions,  and 
was  still  the  best  of  friends  with  him;  for  somehow  or 
another,  the  dog  had  not  seemed  to  consider  the  corporal 
a  party  to  his  brains  being  knocked  out,  but  had  put  it  all 
down  to  his  natural  enemy,  Smallbones.  The  dog  was,  as 
usual,  standing  by  the  block  close  to  the  corporal,  and 
picking  up  the  fragments  of  beef  which  dropped  from  the 
chopper. 

**  I  vowed  by  gum,  that  Fd  have  that  ere  dog's  tail 
off,"  observed  Smallbones ;  **  and  if  no  one  will  peach, 
off  it  shall  go  now.     And  who  cares  ?     If  I  can't  a  kill 


286  Snarleyyow;  or, 

him  dead,  I'll  get  rid  of  him  by  bits.  There's  one  eye 
out  already,  and  now  I've  a  mind  for  his  tail.  Corporal, 
lend  me  the  cleaver." 

"  Bravo,  Smallbones,  we  won't  peach — not  one  of  us." 

"  I'm  not  sure  of  that,"  replied  Moggy  •,  "  some  won't, 
I  know ;  but  there  are  others  who  may,  and  then  Small- 
bones  will  be  keel-hauled  as  sure  as  fate,  and  Vansly- 
perken  will  have  right  on  his  side.  No,  no,  Smallbones 
— you  must  not  do  it.  Give  me  the  cleaver,  corporal, 
I'll  do  it ;  and  anyone  may  tell  him  who  pleases,  when 
he  comes  on  board.  I  don't  care  for  him — and  he  knows 
it,  corporal.     Hand  me  the  cleaver." 

"  That's  right,  let  Moggy  do  it,"  said  the  seamen. 

The  corporal  turned  the  dog  round,  so  as  to  leave  his 
tail  on  the  block,  and  fed  him  with  small  pieces  of  meat, 
to  keep  him  in  the  same  position. 

"  Are  you  all  ready,  Moggy  ?  "  said  Smallbones. 

"  Back  him  a  little  more  on  the  block,  corporal,  for  I 
won't  leave  him  an  inch  if  I  can  help  it,"  said  Moggy  ; 
"  and  stand  farther  back,  all  of  you." 

Moggy  raised  the  cleaver,  took  good  aim — down  it 
came  upon  the  dog's  tail,  which  was  separated  within 
an  inch  of  its  insertion,  and  was  left  bleeding  on  the 
block,  while  the  dog  sprang  away  aft,  howling  most 
terribly,  and  leaving  a  dotted  line  of  blood  to  mark  his 
course  upon  the  deck. 

"  There's  a  nice  skewer-piece  for  anyone  who  fancies 
it,"  observed  Moggy,  looking  at  the  dog's  tail,  and  throw- 
ing down  the  cleaver.  "  I  think  Mr  Vanslyperken  has 
had  enough  now  for  trying  to  flog  my  Jemmy — my  own 
duck  of  a  husband." 

"  Well,"  observed  Coble,  "  seeing's  believing ;  but, 
otherwise,  I  never  should  have  thought  it  possible  to 
have  divided  that  ere  dog's  tail  in  that  way." 

"  He  can't  be  much  of  a  devil  now,"  observed  Bill 
Spurey ;  "for  what's  a  devil  without  a  tail  ?  A  devil 
is  like  a  sarpent,  whose  sting  is  in  his  tail." 

*'  Yes,"  replied  Short,  who  had  looked  on  in  silence. 


The  Dog  Fiend  287 

"  But,  I  say.  Moggy,  perhaps  it's  as  well  for  him  not 
to  find  you  on  board." 

**  What  do  I  care  ?  "  replied  Moggy.  "He  is  more 
afraid  of  me  than  I  of  him  -,  but,  howsomever,  it's  just 
as  well  not  to  be  here,  as  it  may  get  others  in  trouble. 
Mind  you  say  at  once  it  was  me — I  defy  him." 

Moggy  then  wished  them  good-bye,  and  quitted  the 
cutter,  when  she  was  met,  as  we  have  already  observed, 
by  Vanslyperken. 

"  Mein  Gott !  vat  must  be  done  now  ?  "  observed  the 
corporal  to  those  about  him,  looking  at  the  mangy  tail 
which  still  remained  on  the  beef-block. 

"  Done,  corporal,"  replied  Smallbones,  "  why,  you 
must  come  for  to  go  for  to  complain  on  it,  as  he  comes 
on  board.  You  must  take  the  tail,  and  tell  the  tale, 
and  purtend  to  be  as  angry  and  as  sorry  as  himself, 
and  damn  her  up  in  heaps.  That's  what  must  be 
done." 

This  was  not  bad  advice  on  the  part  of  Smallbones — 
the  ship's  company  agreed  to  it,  and  the  corporal  per- 
ceived the  propriety  of  it. 

In  the  meantime,  the  dog  had  retreated  to  the  cabin, 
and  his  bowlings  had  gradually  ceased  ;  but  he  had  left 
a  track  of  blood  along  the  deck,  and  down  the  ladder, 
which  Dick  Short  perceiving,  pointed  to  it,  and  cried 
out  "  Swabs." 

The  men  brought  swabs  aft,  and  had  cleaned  the  deck 
and  the  ladder  down  to  the  cabin  door,  when  Mr  Vansly- 
perken came  on  board. 

"Has  that  woman  been  here?"  inquired  Mr  Vansly- 
perken, as  he  came  on  deck. 

"  Yes,"  replied  Dick  Short. 

"Did  not  I  give  positive  orders  that  she  should  not?" 
cried  Vanslyperken. 

"  No,"  replied  Dick  Short. 

**  Then  I  do  now,"  continued  the  lieutenant. 

"Too  late,"  observed  Short,  shrugging  up  his  shoulders, 
and  walking  forward. 


288  Snarleyyow;  or, 


a 


Too  late  !  what  does  he  mean  ? "  said  Vanslyperken^ 
turning  to  Coble. 

"  I  knows  nothing  about  it,  sir,"  replied  Coble.  **  She 
came  for  some  of  her  husband's  things  that  were  left  on 
board." 

Vanslyperken  turned  round  to  look  for  the  corporal 
for  explanation. 

There  stood  Corporal  Van  Spitter,  perfectly  erect,  with 
a  very  melancholy  face,  one  hand  raised  as  usual  to  his 
cap,  and  the  other  occupied  with  the  tail  of  Snarleyyow. 

"  What  is  it  ?  what  is  the  matter,  corporal  ?  " 

**  Mynheer  Vanslyperken,"  replied  the  corporal,  re- 
taining his  respectful  attitude,  "  here  is  de  tail." 

**  Tail !  what  tail  ? "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken,  casting 
his  eyes  upon  the  contents  of  the  corporal's  left  hand. 

"  Te  tog's  tail,  mynheer,"  replied  the  corporal,  gravely, 
**  which  de  dam  tog's  wife — Moggy " 

Vanslyperken  stared  j  he  could  scarcely  credit  his  eye- 
sight, but  there  it  was.  For  a  time  he  could  not  speak 
for  agitation  j  at  last,  with  a  tremendous  oath,  he  darted 
into  the  cabin. 

"What  were  his  feelings  when  he  beheld  Snarleyyow 
lying'in  a  corner  tailless,  with  a  puddle  of  blood  behind  him. 

"  My  poor,  poor  dog  !  "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken,  cover- 
ing up  his  face. 

His  sorrow  soon  changed  to  rage — he  invoked  all  the 
curses  he  could  imagine  upon  Moggy's  head — he  vowed 
revenge — he  stamped  with  rage — and  then  he  patted 
Snarleyyow ;  and  as  the  beast  looked  wistfully  in  his  face, 
Vanslyperken  shed  tears.  "  My  poor,  poor  dog !  first 
your  eye — and  now  your  tail — what  will  your  persecutors 
require  next  ?  Perdition  seize  them  !  may  perdition  be  my 
portion  if  I  am  not  revenged.  Smallbones  is  at  the  bottom 
of  all  this  ;  I  can — I  will  be  revenged  on  him." 

Vanslyperken  rang  the  bell,  and  the  corporal  made  his 
appearance  with  the  dog's  tail  still  in  his  hand. 

'*  Lay  it  down  on  the  table,  corporal,"  said  Vanslyperken, 
mournfully,  **  and  tell  me  how  this  happened." 


The  Dog  Fiend  289 

The  corporal  then  entered  into  a  long  detail  of  the  way 
in  which  the  dog  had  been  flf.?tailed— how  he  had  been 
cutting  up  beef — and  how  while  his  back  was  turned,  and 
Snarleyyow,  as  usual,  was  at  the  block,  picking  up  the  bits. 
Moggy  Salisbury,  who  had  been  allowed  to  come  on  board 
by  Mr  Short,  had  caught  up  the  cleaver  and  chopped  off 
the  dog's  tail. 

"  Was  Smallbones  at  the  block  ? "  inquired  Vanslyperken. 

**  He  was,  mynheer,"  replied  the  corporal. 

"Who  held  the  dog  while  his  tail  was  chopped  off?" 
inquired  Vanslyperken  ;  "  some  one  must  have  held  him." 

This  was  a  home  question;  but  the  corporal  replied, 
"  Yes,  mynheer,  some  one  must  have  held  the  dog." 

**  You  did  not  hear  who  it  was,  or  if  it  were  Small- 
bones  ? " 

"  I  did  not,  mynheer,"  replied  the  corporal ;  "  but," 
added  he  with  a  significant  look,  **  I  tink  I  could  say." 

**  Yes,  yes,  corporal,  I  know"  who  you  mean.  It  was  him 
— I  am  sure — and  as  sure  as  I  sit  here  I'll  be  revenged. 
Bring  a  swab,  corporal,  and  wipe  up  all  this  blood.  Do 
you  think  the  poor  animal  will  recover  ? " 

"  Yes,  mynheer  5  there  be  togs  with  tail  and  togs 
without  tail." 

"  But  the  loss  of  blood — what  must  be  done  to  stop  the 
bleeding  ? " 

"  Dat  d — — n  woman  Moggy,  when  I  say  te  tog  die — 
tog  bleed  to  death,  she  say,  tell  Mynheer  Vanslyperken  dat 
de  best  ting  for  cure  de  cur  be  de  red  hot  poker." 

Here  Vanslyperken  stamped  his  feet  and  swore  horribly. 

"  She  say,  mynheer,  it  stop  all  de  bleeding." 

"  I  wish  she  had  a  hot  poker  down  her  body,"  exclaimed 
Vanslyperken,  bitterly. 

"  Go  for  the  swab,  corporal,  and  send  Smallbones  here." 

Smallbones  made  his  appearance. 

"  Did  you  come  for — to  want  me,  sir  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir.  I  understand  from  the  corporal  that  you  held 
the  dog  while  that  woman  cut  off  his  tail." 

"If  so  be  as  how  as  the  corporal  says  that  ere,"  cried 
s  T 


290  Snarleyyow;  or, 

Smallbones,  striking  the  palm  of  his  left  hand  with  his  right 
fist,  **  why  I  am  jiggered  if  he  don't  tell  a  lie  as  big  as 
himself — that's  all.  That  ere  man  is  my  mortal  henemy ; 
and  if  that  ere  dog  gets  into  trouble  I'm  a  sartain  to  be  in 
trouble  too.  What  should  I  cut  the  dog's  tail  off  for,  I 
should  like  for  to  know  ?  I  arn't  so  hungry  as  all  that,  any 
how." 

The  idea  of  eating  his  dog's  tail  increased  the  choler  of 
Mr  Vanslyperken.  With  looks  of  malignant  vengeance  he 
ordered  Smallbones  out  of  the  cabin. 

"  Shall  I  shy  this  here  overboard,  sir  ?  "  said  Smallbones, 
taking  up  the  dog's  tail,  which  lay  on  the  table. 

"  Drop  it,  sir,"  roared  Vanslyperken. 

Smallbones  walked  away,  grinning  with  delight,  but  his 
face  was  turned  from  Mr  Vanslyperken. 

The  corporal  returned,  swabbed  up  the  blood,  and 
reported  that  the  bleeding  had  stopped.  Mr  Vanslyperken 
had  no  further  orders  for  him — he  wished  to  be  left  alone. 
He  leaned  his  head  upon  his  hand,  and  remained  for  some 
time  in  a  melancholy  reverie,  with  his  eyes  fixed  upon  the 
tail,  which  lay  before  him — that  tail,  now  a  "bleeding 
piece  of  earth,"  which  never  was  to  welcome  him  with 
a  wag  again.  What  passed  in  Vanslyperken's  mind  during 
this  time,  it  would  be  too  difficult  and  too  long  to  repeat, 
for  the  mind  flies  over  time  and  space  with  the  rapidity 
of  the  lightning's  flash.  At  last  he  rose,  took  up  the  dog's 
tail,  put  it  into  his  pocket,  went  on  deck,  ordered  his  boat, 
and  pulled  on  shore. 


Chapter  XXXVII 

In  which  Mr  Vanslyperken  drives  a  very  hard  bargain. 

We  will  be  just  and  candid  in  our  opinion  relative  to  the 
historical  facts  which  we  are  now  narrating.  Party  spirit, 
and  various  other  feelings,  independent  of  misrepresenta- 


The  Dog  Fiend  291 

tion,  do,  at  the  time,  induce  people  to  form  their 
judgment,  to  say  the  best,  harshly,  and  but  too  often, 
incorrectly.  It  is  for  posterity  to  calmly  weigh  the 
evidence  handed  down,  and  to  examine  into  the  merits 
of  a  case  divested  of  party  bias.  Actuated  by  these 
feelings,  we  do  not  hesitate  to  assert,  that,  in  the  point  at 
question,  Mr  Vanslyperken  had  great  cause  for  being 
displeased  ;  and  that  the  conduct  of  Moggy  Salisbury,  in 
cutting  off  the  tail  of  Snarleyyow  was,  in  our  opinion,  not 
justifiable. 

There  is  a  respect  for  property,  inculcated  and  protected 
by  the  laws,  which  should  never  be  departed  from ;  and, 
whatever  may  have  been  the  aggressions  on  the  part  of 
Mr  Vanslyperken,  or  of  the  dog,  still  a  tail  is  a  tail,  and 
whether  mangy  or  not,  is  bond  Jide  a  part  of  the  living 
body  ;  and  this  aggression  must  inevitably  come  under 
the  head  of  the  cutting  and  maiming  act,  which  act, 
however,  it  must,  with  the  same  candour  which  will  ever 
guide  our  pen,  be  acknowledged,  was  not  passed  until  a 
much  later  period  than  that  to  the  history  of  which  our 
narrative  refers. 

Having  thus,  with  all  deference,  offered  our  humble 
opinion,  we  shall  revert  to  facts.  Mr  Vanslyperken  went 
on  shore,  with  the  dog's  tail  in  his  pocket.  He  walked 
with  rapid  strides  towards  the  half-way  houses,  in  one  of 
which  was  the  room  tenanted  by  his  aged  mother  ;  for,  to 
whom  else  could  he  apply  for  consolation  in  this  case  of 
severe  distress  ?  That  it  was  Moggy  Salisbury  who  gave 
the  cruel  blow,  was  a  fact  completely  substantiated  by 
evidence ;  but  that  it  was  Smallbones  who  held  the  dog, 
and  who  thereby  became  an  active  participator,  and 
therefore  equally  culpable,  was  a  surmise  to  which  the 
insinuations  of  the  corporal  had  given  all  the  authority  of 
direct  evidence.  And,  as  Mr  Vanslyperken  felt  that 
Moggy  was  not  only  out  of  his  power,  but  even  if  in  his 
power,  that  he  dare  not  retaliate  upon  her,  for  reasons 
which  we  have  already  explained  to  our  readers ;  it  was, 
therefore,  clear   to  him,  that   Smallbones  was   the  party 


292  Snarl eyyow;  or, 

upon  whom  his  indignation  could  be  the  most  safely 
vented:  and,  moreover,  that  in  so  doing,  he  was  only 
paying  off  a  long  accumulating  debt  of  hatred  and  ill-will. 
But,  at  the  same  time,  Mr  Vanslyperken  had  made  up  his 
mind  that  a  lad  who  could  be  floated  out  to  the  Nab  buoy 
and  back  again  without  sinking — who  could  have  a  bullet 
through  his  head  without  a  mark  remaining — and  who 
could  swallow  a  whole  twopenny-worth  of  arsenic  without 
feeling  more  than  a  twinge  in  his  stomach,  was  not  so  very 
easy  to  be  made  away  with.  That  the  corporal's  vision 
was  no  fiction,  was  evident — the  lad  was  not  to  be  hurt 
by  mortal  man  5  but  although  the  widow's  arsenic  had 
failed,  Mr  Vanslyperken,  in  his  superstition,  accounted 
for  it  on  the  grounds  that  the  woman  was  not  the  active 
agent  on  the  occasion,  having  only  prepared  the  herring, 
it  not  having  been  received  from  her  hands  by  Smallbones. 
The  reader  may  recollect  that,  in  the  last  interview 
between  Vanslyperken  and  his  mother,  the  latter  had 
thrown  out  hints  that  if  she  took  Smallbones  in  hand  he 
would  not  have  such  miraculous  escapes  as  he  had  had,  as, 
in  all  she  undertook,  she  did  her  business  thoroughly. 
Bearing  this  in  mind,  Mr  Vanslyperken  went  to  pour  forth 
his  sorrows,  and  to  obtain  the  assistance  of  his  much-to- 
be-respected  and  venerable  mother. 

*'  Well,  child,  what  is  it — is  it  money  you  bring  ?  "  cried 
the  old  woman,  when  Vanslyperken  entered  the  room. 

"  No,  mother,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  throwing  himself 
on  the  only  chair  in  the  room,  except  the  one  with  the  legs 
cut  off  half-way  up,  upon  which  his  mother  was  accustomed 
to  rock  herself  before  the  grate. 

"  No,  mother ;  but  I  have  brought  something — and  I 
come  to  you  for  advice  and  assistance." 

**  Brought  no  money — ^yet  brought  something  ! — well, 
child,  what  have  you  brought  ? " 

"  This  !  "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken,  throwing  the  dog's 
tail  down  upon  the  table. 

"  This  ! "  repeated  the  old  beldame,  lifting  up  the  tail, 
and  examining  it  as  well  as  she  could,  as  the  vibration  of 


The  Dog  Fiend  293 

her  palsied  members  were  communicated  to  the  article — 
"  and  pray,  child,  what  is  this  ?  " 

**  Are  you  blind,  old  woman,"  replied  Vanslyperken  in 
wrath,  "  not  to  perceive  that  it  is  my  poor  dog's  tail  ? " 

"  BHnd  old  woman !  and  dog's  tail,  eh  !  Blind  old 
woman,  eh !  Mr  Cornelius,  you  dare  to  call  me  a  blind  old 
woman,  and  to  bring  here  the  mangy  tail  of  a  dog — and  to 
lay  it  on  my  table  I  Is  this  your  duty,  sirrah  ?  How  dare 
you  take  such  liberties  ?  There,  sir,"  cried  the  hag  in  a 
rage,  catching  hold  of  the  tail,  and  sending  it  flying  out  of 
the  casement,  which  was  open — "  there,  sir — and  now  you 
may  follow  your  tail.  D'ye  hear  ? — leave  the  room  in- 
stantly, or  I'll  cleave  your  craven  skull.  Blind  old  woman, 
forsooth — undutiful  child " 

Vanslyperken,  in  spite  of  his  mother's  indignation,  could 
not  prevent  his  eyes  from  following  the  tail  of  his  dog,  as 
it  sailed  through  the  ambient  air  surrounding  the  half-way 
houses,  and  was  glad  to  observe  it  landed  among  some 
cabbage-leaves  thrown  into  the  road,  without  attracting 
notice.  Satisfied  that  he  should  regain  his  treasure  when 
he  quitted  the  house,  he  now  turned  round  to  deprecate 
his  mother's  wrath,  who  had  not  yet  completed  the 
sentence  which  we  have  quoted  above. 

**  I  supplicate  your  pardon,  my  dear  mother,"  said 
Vanslyperken,  who  felt  that  in  her  present  humour  he 
was  not  likely  to  gain  the  point  with  her  that  he  had  in 
contemplation.  **  I  was  so  vexed — so  irritated — that  I 
knew  not  what  I  was  saying." 

"  Blind  old  woman,  indeed,"  repeated  the  beldame. 

"  I  again  beg  you  to  forgive  me,  dearest  mother,"  con- 
tinued Vanslyperken. 

"  All  about  a  dog's  tail  cut  off.  Better  off  than  on — so 
much  the  less  mange  on  the  snarling  cur." 

This  was  touching  up  Vanslyperken  on  the  raw;  but 
he  had  a  great  object  in  view,  and  he  restrained  his  feelings. 

"  I  was  wrong,  mother — very  wrong — but  I  have  done 
all  I  can,  I  have  begged  your  pardon.  I  came  here  for 
your  advice  and  assistance." 


294  Snarleyyow ;  or, 

"  What  advice  or  assistance  can  you  expect  from  a  blind 
old  woman  ?  "  retorted  the  old  hag.  "  And  what  advice 
or  assistance  does  so  undutiful  a  child  deserve  ? " 

It  was  some  time  before  the  ruiHed  temper  of  the 
beldame  could  be  appeased :  at  last,  Vanslyperken  suc- 
ceeded. He  then  entered  into  a  detail  of  all  that  had 
passed,  and  concluded  by  observing,  "  that  as  Smallbones 
was  not  to  be  injured  by  mortal  man,  he  had  come  to  her 
for  assistance." 

"  That  is  to  say — you  have  come  to  me  to  ask  me  to 
knock  the  lad's  brains  out — to  take  away  his  life — to 
murder  him,  in  fact.     Say,  Cornelius,  is  it  not  so  ? " 

"It  is  exactly  so,  my  dearest  mother.  I  know  your 
courage — your " 

*'  Yes,  yes,  I  understand  all  that ;  but,  now  hear  me, 
child.  There  are  deeds  which  are  done,  and  which  I  have 
done,  but  those  deeds  are  only  done  upon  strong  impulses. 
Murder  is  one  ;  but  people  murder  for  two  reasons  only — 
for  revenge  and  for  gold.  People  don't  do  such  acts  as 
are  to  torture  their  minds  here,  and  perhaps  be  punished 
hereafter — that  is,  if  there  be  one,  child.  I  say,  people 
don't  do  such  deeds  as  these,  merely  because  a  graceless 
son  comes  to  them,  and  says,  *  if  you  please,  mother.'  Do 
you  understand  that,  child  ?  I've  blood  enough  on  my 
hands  already — good  blood  too — they  are  not  defiled 
with  the  scum  of  a  parish  boy,  nor  shall  they  be,  with- 
out  " 

"  Without  what,  mother  ? " 

"  Have  I  not  told  you,  Cornelius,  that  there  are  but  two 
great  excitements — revenge  and  gold  ?  I  have  no  revenge 
against  the  lad.  If  you  have — if  you  consider  that  a  dog's 
tail  demands  a  human  victim — well  and  good — do  the  deed 
yourself." 

**  I  would,"  cried  Vanslyperken,  "  but  I  have  tried  in 
vain.     It  must  be  done  by  woman." 

"  Then  hear  me,  Cornelius  ;  if  it  must  be  done  by 
woman,  you  must  find  a  woman  to  do  it,  and  you  must 
pay  her  for  the  deed.     Murder  is  at  a  high  price.     You 


The  Dog  Fiend  295 

apply  to  me — I  am  content  to  do  the  deed ;  but  I  must 
have  gold — and  plenty  too." 

Vanslyperken  paused  before  he  replied.  The  old 
woman  had  charge  of  all  his  money — she  was  on  the  verge 
of  the  grave — for  what  could  she  require  his  gold  ,? — could 
she  be  so  foolish  ? — it  was  insanity.  Vanslyperken  was 
right — it  was  insanity,  for  avarice  is  no  better. 

"  Do  you  mean,  mother,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  "  that 
you  want  gold  from  me  ?  " 

**  From  whom  else  ?  "  demanded  the  old  woman  sharply. 

"  Take  it,  then,  mother— take  as  many  pieces  as  you 
please." 

"  I  must  have  all  that  there  is  in  that  chest,  Cornelius." 

"  All,  mother  ?  " 

"  Yes,  all ;  and  what  is  it,  after  all .?  What  price  is  too 
high  for  blood  which  calls  for  retribution?  Besides, 
Cornelius,  it  must  be  all  yours  again  when  I  die  5  but  I 
shall  not  die  yet — no,  no." 

"  Well,  mother,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  **  if  it  must  be 
so,  it  shall  all  be  yours — not  that  I  can  see  what  difference 
it  makes,  whether  it  is  called  yours  or  mine." 

**  Then  why  not  give  it  freely  ?  Why  do  you  hesitate 
to  give  to  your  poor  old  mother  what  may  be  again  yours 
before  the  leaf  again  falls  ?  Ask  yourself  why,  Cornelius, 
and  then  you  have  my  answer.  The  gold  is  here  in  my 
charge,  but  it  is  not  my  gold — it  is  yours.  You  little 
think  how  often  I've  laid  in  bed  and  longed  that  it  was  all 
mine.  Then  I  would  count  it — count  it  again  and  again — 
watch  over  it,  not  as  I  do  now  as  a  mere  deposit  in  my 
charge,  but  as  a  mother  would  watch  and  smile  upon  her 
first-born  child.  There  is  a  talisman  in  that  word  minet 
that  not  approaching  death  can  wean  from  life.  It  is  our 
natures,  child — say,  then,  is  all  that  gold  mine  ?  " 

Vanslyperken  paused  ;  he  also  felt  the  magic  of  the 
word  ;  and  although  it  was  but  a  nominal  and  temporary 
divestment  of  the  property,  even  that  gave  him  a  severe 
struggle  ;  but  his  avarice  was  overcome  by  his  feelings  of 
revenge,    and   he   answered   solemnly,  "As    I   hope   for 


296  Snarleyyow;  or, 

revenge,  mother,  all  that  gold  is  yours,  provided  that  you 
do  the  deed." 

Here  the  old  hag  burst  into  a  sort  of  shrieking  laugh. 
"  Send  him  here,  child ; "  and  the  almost  unearthly 
cachinnation  was  continued — "  send  him  here,  child — I 
can't  go  to  seek  him — and  it  is  done — only  bring  him 
here." 

So  soon  as  this  compact  had  been  completed,  Vansly- 
perken  and  his  mother  had  a  consultation;  and  it  was 
agreed,  that  it  would  be  advisable  not  to  attempt  the  deed 
until  the  day  before  the  cutter  sailed,  as  it  would  remove 
all  suspicion,  and  be  supposed  that  the  boy  had  deserted. 
This  arrangement  having  been  made,  Vanslyperken  made 
rather  a  hasty  retreat.  The  fact  was,  that  he  was  anxious 
to  recover  the  fragment  of  Snarleyyow,  which  his  mother 
had  so  contemptuously  thrown  out  of  the  casement. 


Chapter   XXXVIII 

In  which  Mr  Vanslyperken  is  taken  for  a  witch. 

Mr  Vanslyperken  hastened  into  the  street,  and  walked 
towards  the  heap  of  cabbage-leaves,  in  which  he  observed 
the  object  of  his  wishes  to  have  fallen ;  but  there  was  some 
one  there  before  him,  an  old  sow,  very  busy  groping 
among  the  refuse.  Although  Vanslyperken  came  on  shore 
without  even  a  stick  in  his  hand,  he  had  no  fear  of  a  pig, 
and  walked  up  boldly  to  drive  her  away,  fully  convinced 
that,  although  she  might  like  cabbage,  not  being  exactly 
carnivorous,  he  should  find  the  tail  in  statu  quo.  But  it 
appeared  that  the  sow  not  only  would  not  stand  being 
interfered  with,  but,  moreover,  was  carnivorously  inclined ; 
for  she  was  at  that  very  moment  routing  the  tail  about 
with  her  nose,  and  received  Vanslyperken's  advance  with 
a  very  irascible  grunt,  throwing  her  head  up  at  him  with 
a   savage  augh;  and  then  again  busied  herself  with  the 


The  Dog  Fiend  297 

fragment  of  Snarleyyow.  Vanslyperken,  who  had  started 
back,  perceived  that  the  sow  was  engaged  with  the  very 
article  in  question ;  and  finding  it  was  a  service  of  more 
danger  than  he  had  expected,  picked  up  one  or  two  large 
stones,  and  threw  them  at  the  animal  to  drive  her  away. 
This  mode  of  attack  had  the  effect  desired  in  one  respect ; 
the  sow  made  a  retreat,  but  at  the  same  time  she  would 
not  retreat  without  the  bonne  houche,  which  she  carried 
away  in  her  mouth. 

Vanslyperken  followed;  but  the  sow  proved  that  she 
could  fight  as  well  as  run,  every  minute  turning  round  to 
bay,  and  chumping  and  grumbling  in  a  very  formidable 
manner.  At  last,  after  Vanslyperken  had  chased  for  a 
quarter  of  a  mile,  he  received  unexpected  assistance  from 
a  large  dog,  who  bounded  from  the  side  of  the  road, 
where  he  lay  in  the  sun,  and  seizing  the  sov/  by  the  ear, 
made  her  drop  the  tail  to  save  her  own  bacon. 

Vanslyperken  was  delighted ;  he  hastened  up  as  fast  as 
he  could  to  regain  his  treasure,  when,  to  his  mortification, 
the  great  dog,  who  had  left  the  sow,  arrived  at  the  spot 
before  him,  and  after  smelling  at  the  not  one  bone,  but 
many  bones  of  contention,  he  took  it  in  his  mouth,  and 
trotted  off  to  his  former  berth  in  the  sunshine,  laid  himself 
down,  and  the  tail  before  him. 

**  Surely  one  dog  won't  eat  another  dog's  tail,"  thought 
Vanslyperken,  as  he  walked  up  to  the  animal ;  but  an  eye 
like  fire,  a  deep  growl,  and  exposure  of  a  range  of  teeth 
equal  to  a  hyena's,  convinced  Mr  Vanslyperken  that  it 
would  be  wise  to  retreat — which  he  did,  to  a  respectable 
distance,  and  attempted  to  coax  the  dog.  "  Poor  doggy, 
there's  a  dog,"  cried  Vanslyperken,  snapping  his  fingers, 
and  approaching  gradually.  To  his  horror,  the  dog  did 
the  same  thing  exactly :  he  rose,  and  approached  Mr 
Vanslyperken  gradually,  and  snapped  his  fingers :  not 
content  with  that,  he  flew  at  him,  and  tore  the  skirt  of  his 
great-coat  clean  off,  and  also  the  hinder  part  of  his  trousers, 
for  Mr  Vanslyperken  immediately  turned  tail,  and  the  dog 
appeared  resolved  to  have  his  tail  as  well  as  that  of  his 


298  Snarleyyow;  or, 

darling  cur.  Satisfied  with  about  half  a  yard  of  broad- 
cloth as  a  trophy,  the  dog  returned  to  his  former  situation, 
and  remained  with  the  tail  of  the  coat  and  the  tail  of  the 
cur  before  him,  with  his  fierce  eyes  fixed  upon  Mr  Vansly- 
perken,  who  had  now  retreated  to  a  greater  distance. 

But  this  transaction  was  not  unobserved  by  several  of 
the  people  who  inhabited  the  street  of  cottages.  Many 
eyes  were  directed  to  where  Mr  Vanslyperken  and  the  sow 
and  dog  had  been  at  issue,  and  many  were  the  conjectures 
thereon. 

When  the  dog  retreated  with  the  skirt  of  the  great-coat, 
many  came  out  to  ascertain  what  was  the  cause  of  the 
dispute,  and  among  others,  the  man  to  whom  the  dog 
belonged,  and  who  lived  at  the  cottage  opposite  to  where 
the  dog  had  lain  down.  He  observed  Vanslyperken,  look- 
ing very  much  like  a  vessel  whose  sails  have  been  split  in 
a  gale,  and  very  rueful  at  the  same  time,  standing  at  a 
certain  distance,  quite  undecided  how  to  act,  and  he  called 
out  to  him,  "What  is  it  you  may  want  with  my  dog, 
man  ?  " 

Man  !  Vanslyperken  thought  this  designation  an  affront ; 
whereas,  in  our  opinion,  Vanslyperken  was  an  affront  to 
the  name  of  man.  "  Man  !  "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken ; 
"  why  your  dog  has  taken  my  property  !  " 

"  Then  take  your  property,"  replied  the  other,  tossing 
to  him  the  skirt  of  his  coat,  which  he  had  taken  from  the 
dog. 

By  this  time  there  was  a  crowd  collected  from  out  of 
the  various  surrounding  tenements. 

**  That's  not  all,"  exclaimed  Vanslyperken ;  **  he  has 
got  my  dog's  tail  there." 

"  Your  dog's  tail ! "  exclaimed  the  man,  "  what  do 
you  mean  ?  Is  it  this  ragged  mangy  thing  you  would 
have  ? "  and  the  man  took  the  tail  of  Snarleyyow,  and 
held  it  up  to  the  view  of  the  assembled  crowd. 

"  Yes,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  coming  towards  the 
man  with  eagerness  ;  "  that  is  what  I  want,"  and  he 
held  out  his  hand  to  receive  it. 


The  Dog  Fiend  299 


tc 


And  pray,  may  I  ask,"  replied  the  other,  looking 
very  suspiciously  at  Vanslyperken,  **  what  can  you  want 
with  this  piece  of  carrion  ? " 

"  To  make  soup  of,"  replied  another,  laughing  ;  "he 
can't  afford  ox-tail." 

Vanslyperken  made  an  eager  snatch  at  his  treasure ; 
but  the  man  lifted  it  up  on  the  other  side,  out  of  his 
reach. 

"  Let  us  have  a  look  at  this  chap,"  said  the  first, 
examining  Vanslyperken,  whose  peaked  nose  and  chin, 
small  ferret  eyes,  and  downcast  look  were  certainly  not 
in  his  favour;  neither  were  his  old  and  now  tattered 
habiliments.  Certainly  no  one  would  have  taken  Vansly- 
perken for  a  king's  officer — unfortunately  they  took  him 
for  something  else. 

"  Now  tell  me,  fellow,  what  were  you  going  to  do  with 
this  ?  "  inquired  the  man  in  a  severe  tone. 

**  I  sha'n't  tell  you,"  replied  Vanslyperken. 

"  Why  that's  the  chap  that  I  sees  go  in  and  out  of 
the  room  where  that  old  hell-fire  witch  lives,  who  curses 
all  day  long." 

"  I  thought  as  much,"  observed  the  man,  who  still  held 
up  the  cur's  tail.  "  Now  I  appeal  to  you  all,  what  can 
a  fellow  want  with  such  as  this — ay,  my  good  people, 
and  want  it  so  much  too,  as  to  risk  being  torn  to  pieces 
for  it — if  he  arn't  inclined  to  evil  practices  ?  " 

"  That's  sartain  sure,"  replied  another. 

"  A  witch — a  witch  !  "  cried  the  whole  crowd. 

"  Let's  duck  him — tie  his  thumbs — away  with  him— 
come  along,  my  lads,  away  with  him." 

Although  there  were  not,  at  the  time  we  write  about, 
regular  witch-finders,  as  in  the  time  of  James  L,  still  the 
feeling  against  witches,  and  the  belief  that  they  practised, 
still  existed.  They  were  no  longer  handed  over  to 
summary  and  capital  punishment,  but  whenever  suspected 
they  were  sure  to  meet  with  very  rough  treatment. 
Such  was  the  fate  of  Mr  Vanslyperken,  who  was  now 
seized  by  the  crowd,  buffeted,  and  spit  upon,  and  dragged 


300  Snarleyyow ;  or, 

to  the  parish  pump,  there  being,  fortunately  for  him,  no 
horse-pond  near.  After  having  been  well  beaten,  pelted 
with  mud,  his  clothes  torn  off  his  back,  his  hat  taken 
away  and  stamped  upon,  he  was  held  under  the  pump 
and  drenched  for  nearly  half-an-hour,  until  he  lay  beneath 
the  spout  in  a  state  of  complete  exhaustion.  The  crowd 
were  then  satisfied,  and  he  was  left  to  get  away  how  he 
could,  which  he  did,  after  a  time,  in  a  most  deplorable 
plight,  bare-headed,  in  his  shirt  and  torn  trousers.  He 
contrived  to  walk  as  far  as  to  the  house  where  his  mother 
resided,  was  admitted  to  her  room,  when  he  fell  exhausted 
on  the  bed.  The  old  woman  was  astonished ;  and  having 
some  gin  in  her  cupboard,  revived  him  by  administering 
a  small  quantity,  and,  in  the  course  of  half-an-hour, 
Vanslyperken  could  tell  his  story ;  but  all  the  consolation 
he  received  from  the  old  beldame  was,  "  Serve  you  right 
too,  for  being  such  an  ass.  I  suppose  you'll  be  bringing 
the  stupid  people  about  my  ears  soon — they've  hooted 
me  before  now.  Ah,  well — I'll  not  be  pumped  upon 
for  nothing — my  knife  is  a  sharp  one." 

Vanslyperken  had  clothes  under  his  mother's  charge, 
and  he  dressed  himself  in  another  suit,  and  then  hastened 
away,  much  mortified  and  confounded  with  the  latter 
events  of  the  day.  The  result  of  his  arrangements  with 
his  mother  was,  however,  a  balm  to  his  wounded  spirit, 
and  he  looked  upon  Smallbones  as  already  dead.  He 
hastened  down  into  his  cabin,  as  soon  as  he  arrived  on 
board,  to  ascertain  the  condition  of  Snarleyyow,  whom  he 
found  as  well  as  could  be  expected,  and  occasionally 
making  unavailing  attempts  to  lick  the  stump  of  his 
tail. 

"  My  poor  dog  !  "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken,  "  what 
have  you  suffered,  and  what  have  I  suffered  for  you  ? 
Alas !  if  I  am  to  suffer  as  I  have  to-day  for  only  your 
tail,  what  shall  I  go  through  for  your  whole  body  ? " 
And,  as  Vanslyperken  recalled  his  misfortunes,  so  did 
his  love  increase  for  the  animal  who  was  the  cause  of 
them.     Why  so,  we  cannot  tell,  except  that  it  has  been 


The  Dog  Fiend  301 

so  from  the  beginning,  is  so  now,  and  always  will  be  the 
case,  for  the  best  of  all  possible  reasons — that  it  is  huma7i 
nature. 


Chapter  XXXIX 

In  which  is  recorded  a  most  barbarous  and  bloody  murder. 

We  observed,  in  a  previous  chapter,  that  Mr  Vanslyperken 
was  observed  by  Moggy  Salisbury  to  go  into  a  jeweller's 
shop,  and  remain  there  some  time,  and  that  Moggy  was 
very  inquisitive  to  know  what  it  was  that  could  induce 
Mr  Vanslyperken  to  go  into  so  unusual  a  resort  for  him. 

The  next  day  she  went  into  the  shop  upon  a  pretence 
of  looking  at  some  ear-rings,  and  attempted  to  enter  into 
conversation  with  the  jeweller;  but  the  jeweller,  not 
perhaps  admiring  Moggy's  appearance;  and  not  thinking 
her  likely  to  be  a  customer,  dismissed  her  with  very  short 
answers.  Failing  in  her  attempt.  Moggy  determined  to 
wait  till  Nancy  Corbett  should  come  over,  for  she^  knew 
that  Nancy  could  dress  and  assume  the  fine  lady,  and 
be  more  likely  to  succeed  than  herself.  But  although 
Moggy  could  not  penetrate  into  the  mystery,  it  is  necessary 
the  reader  should  be  informed  of  the  proceedings  of  Mr 
Vanslyperken. 

When  Ramsay  had  shown  him  how  to  open  the  govern- 
ment despatches,  and  had  provided  him  with  the  false 
seals  for  the  re-impressions,  he  forgot  that  he  also  was 
pointing  out  to  Vanslyperken  the  means  of  also  opening 
his  own,  and  discovering  his  secrets,  as  well  as  those  of 
government ;  but  Vanslyperken,  who  hated  Ramsay,  on 
account  of  his  behaviour  towards  him,  and  would  with 
pleasure  have  seen  the  whole  of  his  party,  as  well  as 
himself,  on  the  gibbet,  thought  that  it  might  be  just  as 
well  to  have  two  strings  to  his  bow ;  and  he  argued,  that 
if  he  could  open  the  letters  of  the  conspirators,  and  obtain 


302  Snarleyyow;  or, 

their  secrets,  they  would  prove  valuable  to  him,  and 
perhaps  save  his  neck,  if  he  were  betrayed  to  the  govern- 
ment. On  his  passage,  therefore,  to  Amsterdam,  he  had 
carefully  examined  the  seal  of  Ramsay,  and  also  that  on 
the  letters  forwarded  to  him ;  and,  having  made  a  drawing, 
and  taken  the  impression  in  wax,  as  a  further  security,  he 
had  applied  to  the  jeweller  in  question  to  get  him  seals 
cut  out  with  these  impressions,  and  of  the  exact  form 
and  size.  The  jeweller,  who  cared  little  what  he  did, 
provided  that  he  was  well  paid,  asked  no  questions, 
but  a  very  high  price,  and  Vanslyperken,  knowing  that 
they  would  be  cheap  to  him  at  any  price,  closed  with  him 
on  his  own  terms,  provided  that  they  were  immediately 
forthcoming.  In  the  week,  according  to  the  agreement, 
the  seals  were  prepared.  Mr  Vanslyperken  paid  his 
money,  and  now  was  waiting  for  orders  to  sail. 

The  dog's  stump  was  much  better. 

On  the  ninth  day,  a  summons  to  the  admiral's  house 
was  sent,  and  Vanslyperken  was  ordered  to  hold  himself 
in  readiness  to  sail  the  next  morning  at  daylight.  He 
immediately  repaired  to  the  Jew's,  to  give  intimation,  and 
from  thence  to  his  mother's  to  prepare  her  for  the  arrival 
of  Smallbones  that  evening  a  little  before  dusk. 

Vanslyperken  had  arranged  that,  as  soon  as  the  murder 
had  been  committed,  he  would  go  to  the  Jew's  for  letters, 
and  then  hasten  on  board,  sailing  the  next  morning  at 
daylight ;  so  that  if  there  was  any  discovery,  the  whole 
onus  might  be  on  his  mother,  who,  for  all  he  cared,  might 
be  hung.  It  is  a  true  saying,  that  a  good  mother  makes  a 
good  son. 

When  Vanslyperken  intimated  to  Smallbones  that  he 
was  going  on  shore  in  the  evening,  and  should  take  him 
with  him,  the  lad  did  not  forget  the  last  walk  that  he  had 
in  company  with  his  master,  and,  apprehensive  that  some 
mischief  was  intended,  he  said,  "I  hope  it  arn't  for  to 
fetch  another  walk  in  the  country,  sir  ? " 

"No,  no,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  "it's  to  take  some 
biscuit  up  to  a  poor  old  woman  close  by.  I  don't  want  to 
be  robbed,  any  more  than  you  do,  Smallbones." 


The  Dog  Fiend  303 

But  the  very  quick  reply  of  his  master  only  increased 
the  apprehension  of  Smallbones,  who  left  the  cabin, 
and  hastened  to  Corporal  Van  Spitter,  to  consult  with 
him. 

Corporal  Van  Spitter  was  of  the  same  opinion  as  Small- 
bones,  that  mischief  was  intended  him,  and  offered  to 
provide  him  with  a  pistol;  but  Smallbones,  who  knew 
little  about  fire-arms,  requested  that  he  might  have  a 
bayonet  instead,  which  he  could  use  better.  He  was 
supplied  with  this,  which  he  concealed  within  his  shirt, 
and  when  ordered,  he  went  into  the  boat  with  Vansly- 
perken.  They  landed,  and  it  was  dark  before  they  arrived 
at  the  half-way  houses.  Vanslyperken  ascended  the  stairs, 
and  ordered  Smallbones  to  follow  him.  As  soon  as  they 
were  in  the  room,  Mr  Vanslyperken  said,  "  Here  is  the 
biscuit,  good  woman,  and  much  good  may  it  do  you." 

"  It's  very  kind  of  you,  sir,  and  many  thanks.  It's  not 
often  that  people  are  charitable  now-a-days,  and  this  has 
been  a  hard  winter  for  poor  folk.  Put  the  bag  down 
there,  my  good  Httle  fellow,"  continued  the  old  hypocrite, 
addressing  Smallbones. 

"  And  now,  good  woman,  I  shall  leave  my  lad  with 
you,  till  I  come  back.  I  have  to  call  at  a  friend's,  and  I 
need  not  take  him.  Smallbones,  stay  here  till  I  return ; 
get  the  biscuit  out  of  the  bag,  as  we  must  take  that  on 
board  again." 

Smallbones  had  no  objection  to  remain  with  a  withered, 
palsied  old  woman.  He  could  have  no  fear  of  her,  and 
he  really  began  to  think  that  his  master  had  been  guilty 
of  charity. 

Mr  Vanslyperken  departed,  leaving  Smallbones  in 
company  with  his  mother. 

**  Come  now,  my  lad,  come  to  the  chair,  and  sit  down 
by  the  fire,"  for  a  fire  had  been  lighted  by  the  old  woman 
expressly,  *'  sit  down,  and  I'll  see  if  I  can  find  you  some- 
thing in  my  cupboard ;  I  have,  I  know,  a  drop  of  cordial 
left  somewhere.  Sit  down,  child ;  you  have  had  the 
kindness  to  bring  the  bread  up  for  me,  and  I  am  grateful." 


304  Snarleyyow;  or, 

The  tones  of  the  old  beldame's  voice  were  very  different 
from  those  she  usually  indulged  in ;  there  was  almost  a 
sweetness  about  them,  which  proved  what  she  might  have 
effected  at  the  period  when  she  was  fair  and  young. 
Smallbones  felt  not  the  least  disquietude  ;  he  sat  down  in 
the  chair  by  the  fire,  while  the  old  woman  looked  in  the 
cupboard  behind  him  for  the  cordial,  of  which  she  poured 
him  a  good  allowance  in  a  tea-cup. 

Smallbones  sipped  and  sipped,  he  was  not  in  a  hurry 
to  get  rid  of  it,  as  it  was  good;  the  old  woman  went 
again  to  the  cupboard,  rattled  the  things  about  a  little, 
and  then,  on  a  sudden,  taking  out  a  large  hammer,  as 
Smallbones  unconsciously  sipped,  she  raised  it  with  both 
her  hands,  and  down  came  the  blow  on  his  devoted 
head. 

The  poor  lad  dropped  the  cup,  sprang  up  convulsively, 
staggered,  and  then  fell.  Once  he  rolled  over,  his  leg 
quivered,  and  he  then  moved  no  more. 

The  beldame  watched  him  with  the  hammer  in  her  hand, 
ready  to  repeat  the  blow  if  necessary,  indeed  she  would 
have  repeated  it  had  it  not  been  that  after  he  fell,  in 
turning  over,  Smallbones'  head  had  rolled  under  the  low 
bedstead  where  she  slept. 

"  My  work  is  sure,"  muttered  she,  "  and  all  the  gold  is 

Again  she  watched,  but  there  was  no  motion — a  stream 
of  blood  appeared  from  under  the  bed,  and  ran  in  a  little 
rivulet  towards  the  fire-place. 

"  I  wish  I  could  pull  him  out,"  said  the  old  woman, 
lugging  at  the  lad's  legs ;  "  another  blow  or  two  would 
make  more  sure."  But  the  effort  was  above  her  strength, 
and  she  abandoned  it.  **It's  no  matter,"  muttered  she; 
"  he'll  never  tell  tales  again." 

But  there  the  old  hag  was  mistaken ;  Smallbones  had 
been  stunned,  but  not  killed ;  the  blow  of  the  hammer  had 
fortunately  started  off,  divided  the  flesh  of  the  skull  for 
three  inches,  with  a  gash  which  descended  to  his  ear.  At 
the  very  time  that  she  uttered  her  last  expressions.  Small- 


The  Dog  Fiend  305 

bones  was  recovering  his  senses,  but  he  was  still  confused, 
as  if  in  a  dream. 

**  Yes,  yes,"  said  the  old  woman,  after  some  minutes' 
pause,  "  all  the  gold  is  mine." 

The  lad  heard  this  sentence,  and  he  now  remembered 
where  he  was,  and  what  had  taken  place.  He  was  about 
to  rise,  when  there  was  a  knocking  at  the  door,  and  he 
lay  still.  It  was  Vanslyperken.  The  door  was  opened 
by  the  old  beldame. 

**  Is  it  done  ? "  said  he,  in  a  loud  whisper. 

"  Done  !  "  cried  the  hag  ;  "  yes,  and  well  done.  Don't 
tell  me  of  charmed  life.     My  blows  are  sure — see  there." 

**  Are  you  sure  that  he  is  dead  ? " 

**  Quite  sure,  child — and  all  the  gold  is  mine." 

Vanslyperken  looked  with  horror  at  the  stream  of  blood 
still  flowing,  and  absorbed  by  the  ashes  in  the  grate. 

**  It  was  you  did  it,  mother ;  recollect  it  was  not  I," 
cried  he. 

I  did  it — and   you   paid  for   it — and  all  the  gold  is 


t( 


*'  But  are  you  quite  sure  that  he  is  dead  ? " 

**  Sure — yes,  and  in  judgment  now,  if  there  is  any." 

Vanslyperken  surveyed  the  body  of  Smallbones,  who, 
although  he  had  heard  every  word,  lay  without  motion, 
for  he  knew  his  life  depended  on  it.  After  a  minute  or 
two  the  lieutenant  was  satisfied. 

**  I  must  go  on  board  now,  mother ;  but  what  will  you 
do  with  the  body  ? " 

**  Leave  that  to  me ;  who  ever  comes  in  here  ?  Leave 
that  to  me,  craven,  and,  as  you  say,  go  on  board." 

Vanslyperken  opened  the  door,  and  went  out  of  the 
room ;  the  old  hag  made  the  door  fast,  and  then  sat  down 
on  the  chair,  which  she  replaced  by  the  side  of  the  fire, 
with  her  back  to  Smallbones. 

The  lad  felt  very  faint  from  loss  of  blood,  and  was  sick 

at  the  stomach,  but  his  senses  were  in  their  full  vigour. 

He  now  was  assured  that  Vanslyperken  was  gone,  and 

that  he  had  only  the  old  woman  opposed  to  him.     His 

s  u 


3o6  Snarleyyow;  or, 

courage  was  unsubdued,  and  he  resolved  to  act  in  self- 
defence  if  required ;  and  he  softly  drew  the  bayonet  out 
of  his  breast,  and  then  watched  the  murderous  old  hag, 
who  was  rocking  herself  in  the  chair. 

"  Yes,  yes,  the  gold  is  mine,"  muttered  she — "  I've 
won  it,  and  Fll  count  it.  I  won  it  dearly; — another 
murder — well,  'tis  but  one  more.  Let  me  see,  what 
shall  I  do  with  the  body  ?  I  must  burn  it,  by  bits  and 
bits — and  I'll  count  the  gold — it's  all  mine,  for  he's 
dead." 

Here  the  old  woman  turned  round  to  look  at  the  body, 
and  her  keen  eyes  immediately  perceived  that  there  w^as 
a  slight  change  of  position. 

**Heh!"  cried  she,  "not  quite  dead  yet;  we  must 
have  the  hammer  again,"  and  she  rose  from  her  chair, 
and  walked  with  an  unsteady  pace  to  pick  up  the  hammer, 
which  was  at  the  other  side  of  the  fire-place.  Smallbones, 
who  felt  that  now  was  his  time,  immediately  rose,  but 
before  he  could  recover  his  feet,  she  had  turned  round 
to  him :  with  a  sort  of  low  yell,  she  darted  at  him  with 
an  agility  not  to  be  imagined  in  one  of  her  years  and 
decrepit  appearance,  and  struck  at  him.  Smallbones  raised 
his  left  arm,  and  received  the  blow,  and  with  his  right 
plunged  the  bayonet  deep  into  the  wrinkled  throat  of  the 
old  woman.  She  grappled  with  him,  and  the  struggle 
was  dreadful;  she  caught  his  throat  in  one  of  her  bony 
hands,  and  the  nails  pierced  into  it  like  the  talons  of  a 
bird  of  prey — the  fingers  of  the  other  she  inserted  into 
the  jagged  and  gaping  wound  on  his  head,  and  forced 
the  flesh  still  more  asunder,  exerting  all  her  strength  to 
force  him  on  his  back ;  but  the  bayonet  was  still  in  her 
throat,  and  with  the  point  descending  towards  the  body, 
and  Smallbones  forced  and  forced  it  down,  till  it  was 
buried  to  the  hilt.  In  a  few  seconds  the  old  hag  loosed 
her  hold,  quivered,  and  fell  back  dead ;  and  the  lad  was 
so  exhausted  with  the  struggle,  and  his  previous  loss  of 
blood,  that  he  fell  into  a  swoon  at  the  side  of  the  corpse. 

When  Smallbones  recovered,  the  candle  was  flickering 


The  Dog  Fiend  307 

in  the  socket.  He  rose  up  in  a  sitting  posture,  and  tried 
to  recollect  all  that  had  passed. 

The  alternating  light  of  the  candle  flashed  upon  the 
body  of  the  old  woman,  and  he  remembered  all.  After 
a  few  minutes  he  was  able  to  rise,  and  he  sat  down  upon 
the  bed  giddy  and  faint.  It  occurred  to  him  that  he 
would  soon  be  in  the  dark,  and  he  would  require  the  light 
to  follow  up  his  intended  movements,  so  he  rose,  and 
went  to  the  cupboard  to  find  one.  He  found  a  candle, 
and  he  also  found  the  bottle  of  cordial,  of  which  he  drank 
all  that  was  left,  and  felt  himself  revived,  and  capable  of 
acting.  Having  put  the  other  candle  into  the  candlestick, 
he  looked  for  water,  washed  himself,  and  bound  up  his 
head  with  his  handkerchief.  He  then  wiped  up  the  blood 
from  the  floor,  threw  some  sand  over  the  part,  and  burnt 
the  towel  in  the  grate.  His  next  task  was  one  of  more 
difficulty,  to  lift  up  the  body  of  the  old  woman,  put  it 
into  the  bed,  and  cover  it  up  with  the  clothes,  previously 
drawing  out  the  bayonet.  No  blood  issued  from  the 
wound — the  hemorrhage  was  all  internal.  He  covered 
up  the  face,  took  the  key  of  the  door,  and  tried  it  in  the 
lock,  put  the  candle  under  the  grate  to  burn  out  safely, 
took  possession  of  the  hammer ;  then  having  examined 
the  door,  he  went  out,  locked  it  from  the  outside,  slid 
the  key  in  beneath  the  door,  and  hastened  away  as  fast 
as  he  could.  He  was  not  met  by  anybody,  and  was  soon 
safe  in  the  street,  with  the  bayonet,  which  he  again  con- 
cealed in  his  vest. 

These  precautions  taken  by  Smallbones,  proved  that 
the  lad  had  conduct  as  well  as  courage.  He  argued  that 
it  was  not  advisable  that  it  should  be  known  that  this 
fatal  affray  had  taken  place  between  the  old  woman  and 
himself.  Satisfied  with  having  preserved  his  life,  he  was 
unwilling  to  be  embroiled  in  a  case  of  murder,  as  he  wished 
to  prosecute  his  designs  with  his  companions  on  board. 

He  knew  that  Vanslyperken  was  capable  of  swearing 
anything  against  him,  and  that  his  best  safety  lay  in  the 
affair  not  being  found  out,  which  it  could  not  be  until 


3o8  Snarleyyow;  or, 

the  cutter  had  sailed,  and  no  one  had  seen  him  either 
enter  or  go  out.  There  was  another  reason  which 
induced  Smallbones  to  act  as  he  did — without  appealing 
to  the  authorities — which  was,  that  if  he  returned  on 
board,  it  would  create  such  a  shock  to  Mr  Vanslyperken, 
who  had,  as  he  supposed,  seen  him  lying  dead  upon  the 
floor.  But  there  was  one  person  to  whom  he  determined 
to  apply  for  advice  before  he  decided  how  to  proceed, 
and  that  was  Moggy  Salisbury,  who  had  given  her  address 
to  him  when  she  had  gone  on  board  the  Tungfrau.  To 
her  house  he  therefore  repaired,  and  found  her  at  home. 
It  was  then  about  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening. 

Moggy  was  much  surprised  to  see  Smallbones  enter  in 
such  a  condition;  but  Smallbones'  story  was  soon  told, 
and  Moggy  sent  for  a  surgeon,  the  services  of  whom  the 
lad  seriously  required.  While  his  wound  was  dressing, 
which  was  asserted  by  them  to  have  been  received  in 
a  fray.  Moggy  considered  what  would  be  the  best  method 
to  proceed.  The  surgeon  stated  his  intention  of  seeing 
Smallbones  the  next  day,  but  he  was  requested  to  leave 
him  sufficient  dressing,  as  it  was  necessary  that  he  should 
repair  on  board,  as  the  vessel  which  he  belonged  to  sailed 
on  the  following  morning.  The  surgeon  received  his 
fee,  recommended  quiet  and  repose,  and  retired. 

A  consultation  then  took  place.  Smallbones  expressed 
his  determination  to  go  on  board  ;  he  did  not  fear  Mr 
Vanslyperken,  as  the  crew  of  the  cutter  would  support 
him — and,  moreover,  it  would  frighten  Mr  Vanslyperken 
out  of  his  wits.  To  this  Moggy  agreed,  but  she  proposed 
that  instead  of  making  his  appearance  on  the  following 
morning,  he  should  not  appear  to  Mr  Vanslyperken  until 
the  vessel  was  in  the  blue  water  ;  if  possible,  not  till  she 
was  over  on  the  other  side.  And  Moggy  determined  to  go 
on  board,  see  the  corporal,  and  make  the  arrangements 
with  him  and  the  crew,  who  were  now  unanimous,  for  the 
six  marines  were  at  the  beck  of  the  corporal,  so  that  Mr 
Vanslyperken  should  be  frightened  out  of  his  wits.  Desir- 
ing Smallbones  to  lie  down  on  her  bed,  and  take  the  rest 


The  Dog  Fiend  309 

he  so  much  needed,  she  put  on  her  bonnet  and  cloak,  and 
taking  a  boat,  pulled  gently  alongside  the  cutter. 

Vanslyperken  had  been  on  board  for  two  hours,  and 
was  in  his  cabin  ;  the  lights,  however,  were  still  burning. 
The  corporal  was  still  up,  anxiously  waiting  for  the  return 
of  Smallbones,  and  he  was  very  much  alarmed  when  he 
heard  Moggy  come  alongside.  Moggy  soon  detailed  to 
the  corporal,  Dick  Short,  and  Coble,  all  that  had  taken 
place,  and  what  it  was  proposed  should  be  done.  They 
assented  willingly  to  the  proposal,  declaring  that  if  Van- 
slyperken attempted  to  hurt  the  lad,  they  would  rise,  and 
throw  Mr  Vanslyperken  overboard  ;  and  everything  being 
arranged.  Moggy  was  about  to  depart,  when  Vanslyperken, 
who  was  in  a  state  of  miserable  anxiety  and  torture,  and 
who  had  been  drowning  his  conscience  in  scheedam,  came 
on  deck  not  a  little  the  worse  for  what  he  had  been 
imbibing. 

**  Who  is  that  woman  ? "  cried  Vanslyperken. 

"That  woman  is  Moggy  Salisbury,"  cried  Moggy, 
walking  up  to  Vanslyperken,  while  the  corporal  skulked 
forward  without  being  detected. 

**  Have  I  not  given  positive  orders  that  this  woman  does 
not  come  on  board  ? "  cried  Vanslyperken,  holding  on  by 
the  skylight.     **  Who  is  that — Mr  Short  ?  " 

"  Yes,"  replied  Short. 

**  Why  did  you  allow  her  to  come  on  board  ? " 

"  I  came  without  leave,"  said  Moggy.  "  I  brought  a 
message  on  board." 

"  A  message  !  what  message — to  whom  ? " 

"  To  you,"  replied  Moggy. 

"  To  me — from  whom,  you  cockatrice  ? " 

''  ril  tell  you,"  replied  Moggy,  walking  close  up  to  him  ; 
**  from  Lazarus  the  Jew.  Will  you  hear  it,  or  shall  I  leave 
it  with  Dick  Short  ? " 

**  Silence — silence — not  a  word  ;  come  down  into  the 
cabin,  good  Moggy.     Come  down — I'll  hear  it  then." 

"  With  all  my  heart,  Mr  Vanslyperken,  but  none  of  your 
attacks  on  my  vartue  -,  recollect  I  am  an  honest  woman." 


310  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"  Don't  be  afraid,  my  good  Moggy — I  never  hurt  a 
child." 

"  I  don't  think  you  ever  did,"  retorted  Moggy,  following 
Vanslyperken,  who  could  hardly  keep  his  feet. 

"Well,  there's  Abacadabra  there,  anyhow,"  observed 
Coble  to  Short,  as  they  went  down. 

"Why  she  turns  him  round  her  finger." 

"  Yes,"  quoth  Short. 

"  I  can't  comprehend  this  not  no  how." 

"  No,"  quoth  Short. 

As  soon  as  they  were  in  the  cabin.  Moggy  observed 
the  bottle  of  scheedam  on  the  table.  "  Come,  Mr  Vansly- 
perken, you'll  treat  me  to-night,  and  drink  my  health 
again,  won't  you  ?  " 

"Yes,  Moggy,  yes — we're  friends  now,  you  know;" 
for  Vanslyperken,  like  all  others  suffering  under  the  stings 
of  conscience,  was  glad  to  make  friends  with  his  bitterest 
enemy. 

"  Come,  then,  help  me,  Mr  Vanslyperken,  and  then  I'll 
give  my  message." 

As  soon  as  Moggy  had  taken  her  glass  of  scheedam, 
she  began  to  think  what  she  should  say,  for  she  had  no 
message  ready  prepared  -,  at  last  a  thought  struck  her. 

"  I  am  desired  to  tell  you,  that  when  a  passenger,  or  a 
person  disguised  as  a  sailor,  either  asks  for  a  passage,  or 
volunteers  for  the  vessel,  you  are  to  take  him  on  board 
immediately,  even  if  you  should  know  them  in  their 
disguise  not  to  be  what  they  pretend  to  be — do  you 
understand  ? " 

"  Yes,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  who  was  quite 
muddled. 

"  Whether  they  apply  from  here,  or  from  the  other  side 
of  the  channel,  no  consequence,  you  must  take  them — if 
not " 

"  If  not,  what  ? "  replied  Vanslyperken. 

**  You'll  swing,  that's  all,  my  buck.  Good-night  to 
you,"  replied  Moggy,  leaving  the  cabin. 

swing,"  muttered  Vanslyperken,   rolling   against 


The  Dog  Fiend  311 

the  bulkhead.  "Well,  if  I  do,  others  shall  swing  too. 
Who  cares  ?  damn  the  faggot !  " 

Here  Mr  Vanslyperken  poured  out  another  glass  of 
scheedam,  the  contents  of  which  overthrew  the  small 
remnant  of  his  reasoning  faculties.  He  then  tumbled 
into  his  bed  with  his  clothes  on,  saying,  as  he  turned 
on  his  side,  **  Smallbones  is  dead  and  gone,  at  all 
events." 

Moggy  took  leave  of  her  friends  on  deck,  and  pushed 
on  shore.  She  permitted  Smallbones,  whom  she  found 
fast  asleep,  to  remain  undisturbed  until  nearly  three  o'clock 
in  the  morning,  during  which  time  she  watched  by  the 
bedside.  She  then  roused  him,  and  they  sallied  forth,  took 
a  boat,  and  dropped  alongside  of  the  cutter.  Smallbones* 
hammock  had  been  prepared  for  him  by  the  corporal.  He 
was  put  into  it,  and  Moggy  then  left  the  vessel. 

Mr  Vanslyperken  was  in  a  state  of  torpor  during  this 
proceeding,  and  was,  with  great  difficulty,  awoke  by  the 
corporal,  according  to  orders  given,  when  it  was  daylight, 
and  the  cutter  was  to  weigh  anchor. 

"  Smallbones  has  not  come  off,  sir,  last  night,"  reported 
the  corporal. 

"  I  suppose  the  scoundrel  has  deserted,"  replied  Vansly- 
perken, "  I  fully  expected  that  he  would.  However,  he 
is  no  loss,  for  he  was  a  useless,  idle,  lying  rascal."  And 
Mr  Vanslyperken  turned  out ;  having  all  his  clothes  on, 
he  had  no  occasion  to  dress.  He  went  on  deck,  followed 
by  the  tail-less  Snarleyyow,  and  in  half  an  hour  the  cutter 
was  standing  out  towards  St  Helen's. 


Chapter  XL 

In    which    a    most    horrid     spectre    disturbs    the    equanimity    of    Mr 
Vanslyperken. 

Two  days  was  the  cutter  striving  with  light  winds  for 
the  Texel,  during  which  Mr  Vanslyperken  kept  himself 


312  Snarleyyow;  or, 

altogether  in  his  cabin.  He  was  occasionally  haunted  with 
the  memory  of  the  scene  in  his  mother's  room. — Smallbones 
dead,  and  the  stream  of  blood  running  along  the  floor,  and 
his  mother's  diabolical  countenance,  with  the  hammer 
raised  in  her  palsied  hands ;  but  he  had  an  instigator 
to  his  vengeance  beside  him,  which  appeared  to  relieve 
his  mind  whenever  it  was  oppressed ;  it  was  the  stump 
of  Snarleyyow,  and  when  he  looked  at  that  he  no 
longer  regretted,  but  congratulated  himself  on  the  deed 
being  done.  His  time  was  fully  occupied  during  the 
day,  for  with  locked  doors  he  was  transcribing  the  letters 
sent  to  Ramsay,  and  confided  to  him. 

He  was  not  content  with  taking  extracts,  as  he  did  of 
the  government  despatches  for  Ramsay  ;  he  copied  every 
word,  and  he  replaced  the  seals  with  great  dexterity.  At 
night  his  mind  was  troubled,  and  he  dare  not  lie  himself 
down  to  rest  until  he  had  fortified  himself  with  several 
glasses  of  scheedam  -,  even  then  his  dreams  frightened  him  ; 
but  he  was  to  be  more  frightened  yet. 

Corporal  Van  Spitter  came  into  the  cabin  on  the  third 
morning  with  a  very  anxious  face.  — "  Mein  Gott ! 
Mynheer  Vanslyperken,  de  whole  crew  be  in  de  mutinys." 

"  Mutiny  !  "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken,  "  what's  the 
matter  ? " 

"  They  say,  sir,  dat  dey  see  de  ghost  of  Smallbones 
last  night  on  de  bowsprit,  with  one  great  cut  on  his  head, 
and  de  blood  all  over  de  face." 

**  Saw  what  ?  who  saw  him  ?  " 

**  Mein  Gott,  mynheer !  it  all  true,  I  really  think  I  see 
it  myself  at  de  taffrail,  he  sit  there  and  have  great  wound 
from  here  down  to,"  said  the  corporal,  pointing  to  his  own 
head,  and  describing  the  wound  exactly.  "  The  people 
say  that  he  must  have  been  murdered,  and  dey  kick  up 
de  mutiny." 

*'  I  did  not  do  it,  corporal,  at  all  events,"  replied 
Vanslyperken,  pale  and  trembling. 

"So  Smallbones  tell  Dick  Short,  when  he  speak  to  him 
on  bowsprit." 


The  Dog  Fiend  31 


J 


**  Did  it  speak  to  Short  ? "  inquired  Vanslyperken, 
catching  the  corporal's  arm. 

"Yes,  mynheer;  Mynheer  Short  speak  first,  and  den 
the  ghost  say  dat  you  not  do  it,  but  dat  you  give  gold  to 
old  woman  to  do  it,  and  she  knock  him  brain  out  vid  de 
hammer." 

To  portray  Vanslyperken's  dismay  at  this  intelligence 
would  be  impossible.  He  could  not  but  be  certain  that 
there  had  been  a  supernatural  communication.  His  knees 
knocked  and  trembled,  and  he  turned  sick  and  faint. 

"  O  Lord,  O  Lord !  corporal,  I  am  a  great  sinner," 
cried  he  at  last,  quite  unaware  of  what  he  was  saying. 
**  Some  water,  corporal."  Corporal  Van  Spitter  handed 
some  water,  and  Vanslyperken  waved  his  hand  to  be  left 
alone ;  and  Mr  Vanslyperken  attempted  to  pray,  but  it 
ended  in  blaspheming. 

"It's  a  lie,  all  a  lie,"  exclaimed  he,  at  last,  pouring 
out  a  tumbler  of  scheedam.  "  They  have  frightened  the 
corporal.  But — no — he  must  have  seen  him,  or  how 
could  they  know  how  he  was  murdered.  He  must  have 
told  them ;  and  him  I  saw  dead  and  stiff,  with  these  own 
eyes.  Well,  I  did  not  do  the  deed,"  continued  Vansly- 
perken, attempting  to  palliate  his  crime  to  himself-,  but  it 
would  not  do,  and  Mr  Vanslyperken  paced  the  little  cabin 
racked  by  fear  and  guilt. 

Remorse  he  felt  none,  for  there  was  before  his  eyes  the 
unhealed  stump  of  Snarleyyow.  In  the  evening  Mr 
Vanslyperken  went  on  deck ;  the  weather  was  now  very 
warm,  for  it  was  the  beginning  of  July  j  and  Mr  Vansly- 
perken, followed  by  Snarleyyow,  was  in  a  deep  reverie, 
and  he  turned  and  turned  again. 

The  sun  had  set,  and  Mr  Vanslyperken  still  continued 
his  walk,  but  his  steps  were  agitated  and  uneven,  and  his 
face  was  haggard.  It  was  rather  the  rapid  and  angry  pac- 
ing of  a  tiger  in  his  den,  who  has  just  been  captured,  than 
that  of  a  person  in  deep  contemplation.  Still  Mr  Vansly- 
perken continued  to  tread  the  deck,  and  it  was  quite  light 
with  a  bright  and  pale  moon. 


314  Snarleyyow;  or, 

The  men  were  standing  here  and  there  about  the 
forecastle  and  near  the  booms  in  silence  and  speaking  in 
low  whispers,  and  Vanslyperken's  eye  was  often  directed 
towards  them,  for  he  had  not  forgotten  the  report  of  the 
corporal,  that  they  were  in  a  state  of  mutiny. 

Of  a  sudden,  Mr  Vanslyperken  was  roused  by  a  loud 
cry  from  forward,  and  a  rush  of  all  the  men  aft.  He 
thought  that  the  crew  had  risen,  and  that  they  were  about 
to  seize  him ;  but,  on  the  contrary,  they  passed  him  and 
hastened  to  the  taffrail  with  exclamations  of  horror. 

"  What !  what  is  it  ? "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken,  fully 
prepared  for  the  reply  by  his  own  fears. 

"  O  Lord  !  have  mercy  upon  us,"  cried  Bill  Spurey. 

**  Good  God,  deliver  us  ! "  exclaimed  another. 

"  Ah,  Mein  Gott ! "  screamed  Jansen,  rushing  against 
Vanslyperken  and  knocking  him  down  on  the  deck. 

"  Well,  well,  murder  will  out ! — that's  sartain,"  said 
Coble,  who  stood  by  Vanslyperken  when  he  had  recovered 
his  legs. 

"  What,  what !  "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken,  breathless. 

**  There,  sir,— look  there,"  said  Coble,  breathless,  point- 
ing to  the  figure  of  Smallbones,  who  now  appeared  from 
the  shade  in  the  broad  moonshine. 

His  head  was  not  bound  up,  and  his  face  appeared  pale 
and  streaked  with  blood.  He  was  in  the  same  clothes  in 
which  he  had  gone  on  shore,  and  in  his  hand  he  held  the 
hammer  which  had  done  the  deed. 

The  figure  slowly  advanced  to  the  quarter-deck,  Vansly- 
perken attempted  to  retreat,  but  his  legs  failed  him,  he 
dropped  down  on  his  knees,  uttered  a  loud  yell  of  despair, 
and  then  threw  himself  flat  on  the  deck  face  down- 
wards. 

Certainly,  the  pantomime  was  inimitably  got  up,  but  it 
had  all  been  arranged  by  Moggy,  the  corporal,  and  the 
others.  There  was  not  one  man  of  the  crew  who  had  not 
been  sworn  to  secrecy,  and  whose  life  would  not  have 
been  endangered  if,  by  undeceiving  Vanslyperken,  they  had 
been  deprived  of  such  just  and  legitimate  revenges. 


The  Dog  Fiend  315 

Smallbones  disappeared  as  soon  as  Vanslyperken  had 
fallen  down. 

He  was  allowed  to  remain  there  for  some  time  to  ascer- 
tain if  he  would  say  anything,  but  as  he  still  continued 
silent,  they  raised  him  up  and  found  that  he  was  insensible. 
He  was  consequently  taken  down  into  the  cabin  and  put 
into  his  bed. 

The  effect  produced  by  this  trial  of  Mr  Vanslyperken's 
nerves,  was  most  serious.  Already  too  much  heated  with 
the  use  of  ardent  spirits,  it  brought  on  convulsions,  in 
v/hich  he  continued  during  the  major  part  of  the  night. 
Towards  the  morning,  he  sank  into  a  perturbed  slumber. 

It  was  not  till  eleven  o'clock  in  the  forenoon  that  he 
awoke  and  perceived  his  faithful  corporal  standing  by  the 
side  of  the  bed. 

"  Have  I  not  been  ill,  corporal  ? "  said  Mr  Vanslyperken, 
whose  memory  was  impaired  for  the  time. 

"  Mein  Gott !  yes,  mynheer." 

**  There  was  something  happened,  was  not  there  ?" 

**  Mein  Gott !  yes,  mynheer." 

"  IVe  had  a  fit ;  have  I  not  ?  " 

*^  Mein  Gott !  yes,  mynheer." 

"  My  head  swims  now ;  what  was  it,  corporal  ? " 

"  It  was  de  ghost  of  de  poy,"  replied  the  corporal. 

"  Yes,  yes,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  falling  back  on  his 
pillow. 

It  had  been  intended  by  the  conspirators,  that  Smallbones 
should  make  his  appearance  in  the  cabin,  as  the  bell  struck 
one  o'clock ;  but  the  effect  had  already  been  so  serious  that 
it  was  thought  advisable  to  defer  any  further  attempts. 
As  for  Smallbones  being  concealed  in  the  vessel  for  any 
length  of  time  there  was  no  difficulty  in  that ;  for  allowing 
that  Vanslyperken  should  go  forward  on  the  lower  deck 
of  the  vessel,  which  he  never  did,  Smallbones  had  only  to 
retreat  into  the  eyes  of  her,  and  it  was  there  so  dark  that 
he  could  not  be  seen.  They  therefore  regulated  their 
conduct  much  in  the  same  way  as  the  members  of  the 
inquisition  used  to  do  in  former  days ;  they  allowed  their 


3i5  Snarleyyow;  or, 

patient  to  recover,  that  he  might  be  subjected  to  more 
torture. 

It  was  not  until  the  fourth  day,  that  the  cutter  arrived 
at  the  port  of  Amsterdam,  and  Mr  Vanslyperken  had  kept 
his  bed  ever  since  he  had  been  put  into  it ;  but  this  he 
could  do  no  longer,  he  rose  weak  and  emaciated,  dressed 
himself,  and  went  on  shore  with  the  despatches  which  he 
first  delivered,  and  then  bent  his  steps  to  the  syndic's  house, 
where  he  delivered  his  letters  to  Ramsay. 

The  arrival  of  the  cutter  had  been  duly  notified  to  the 
widow  Vandersloosh,  before  she  had  dropped  her  anchor, 
and  in  pursuance  with  her  resolution  she  immediately 
despatched  Babette  to  track  Mr  Vanslyperken,  and  watch 
his  motions.  Babette  took  care  not  to  be  seen  by  Mr 
Vanslyperken,  but  shrouding  herself  close  in  her  cotton 
print  cloak,  she  followed  him  to  the  Stadt  House,  and  from 
the  Stadt  House  to  the  mansion  of  Mynheer  Van  Krause, 
at  a  short  distance  from  the  gates  of  which  she  remained 
till  he  came  out.  "Wishing  to  ascertain  whether  he  went 
to  any  other  place,  she  did  not  discover  herself  until  she 
perceived  that  he  was  proceeding  to  the  widow's — she  then 
quickened  her  pace  so  as  to  come  up  with  him. 

"  Oh  !  Mynheer  Vanslyperken,  is  this  you  ?  1  heard 
you  had  come  in  and  so  did  my  mistress,  and  she  has 
been  expecting  you  this  last  half-hour." 

"  I  have  made  all  the  haste  I  can,  Babette.  But  I  was 
obliged  to  deliver  my  despatches  first,"  replied  Vansly- 
perken. 

"  But  I  thought  you  always  took  your  despatches  to 
the  Stadt  House  ?  " 

"  Well,  so  I  do,  Babette  j  I  have  just  come  from 
thence." 

This  was  enough  for  Babette,  it  proved  that  his  visit 
to  the  syndic's  was  intended  to  be  concealed ;  she  was 
too  prudent  to  let  him  know  that  she  had  traced  him. 

"Why,  Mr  Vanslyperken,  you  look  very  ill.  What 
has  been  the  matter  with  you  ?  My  mistress  will  be 
quite  frightened." 


The  Dog  Fiend  317 

**  I  have  not  been  well,  Babette,"  replied  Vansly- 
perken. 

"  I  really  must  run  home  as  fast  as  I  can.  I  will  tell 
my  mistress  you  have  been  unwell,  for  otherwise  she 
will  be  in  such  a  quandary ; "  and  Babette  hastened 
ahead  of  Mr  Vanslyperken,  who  was  in  too  weak  a 
state  to  walk  fast. 

"The  syndic's  house  —  heh!"  —  said  the  widow, 
**  Mynheer  Van  Krause.  Why  he  is  thorough  king's 
man,  by  all  report,"  continued  she.  "  I  don't  understand 
it.     But  there  is  no  trusting  any  man  now-a-days. 

*'  Babette,  you  must  go  there  by-and-bye  and  see  if 
you  can  find  out  whether  that  person  he  brought  over, 
and  he  called  a  king's  messenger,  is  living  at  the  syndic's 
house.  I  think  he  must  be,  or  why  would  Vanslyperken 
go  there  ?  and  if  he  is,  there's  treason  going  on — that's 
all  !  and  I'll  find  it  out,  or  my  name  is  not  Vandersloosh." 

Shortly  after,  Mr  Vanslyperken  arrived  at  the  house 
and  was  received  with  the  usual  treacherous  cordiality ; 
but  he  had  not  remained  more  than  an  hour  when  Coble 
came  to  him  (having  been  despatched  by  Short),  to  inform 
Mr  Vanslyperken  that  a  frigate  was  coming  In  with  the 
royal  standard  at  the  main,  indicating  that  King  William 
was  on  board  of  her. 

This  intelligence  obliged  Mr  Vanslyperken  to  hasten 
on  board,  as  it  was  necessary  to  salute,  and  also  to  pay 
his  respects  on  board  of  the  frigate. 

The  frigate  was  within  a  mile  when  Mr  Vanslyperken 
arrived  on  board  of  the  cutter,  and  when  the  batteries 
saluted,  the  cutter  did  the  same.  Shortly  afterwards 
the  frigate  dropped  her  anchor  and  returned  the  salute. 
Mr  Vanslyperken,  attired  In  his  full  uniform,  ordered  his 
boat  to  be  manned  and  pulled  on  board. 

On  his  arrival  on  the  quarter-deck  Vanslyperken  was 
received  by  the  captain  of  the  frigate,  and  then  presented 
to  King  William  of  Nassau,  who  was  standing  on  the 
other  side  of  the  deck,  attended  by  the  Duke  of  Portland, 
Lord  Albemarle,  and  several  others  of  his  courtiers,  not 


J 


1 8  Snarleyyow;  or, 


ail  of  them  quite  as  faithful  as  the  two  whom  we  have 
named. 

When  Mr  Vanslyperken  was  brought  forward  to  the 
presence  of  his  Majesty,  he  trembled  almost  as  much  as 
when  he  had  beheld  the  supposed  spirit  of  Smallbones, 
and  well  he  might,  for  his  conscience  told  him  as  he 
bowed  his  knee  that  he  was  a  traitor.  His  agitation 
was,  however,  ascribed  to  his  being  daunted  by  the  un- 
usual presence  of  royalty.  And  Albemarle,  as  Vansly- 
perken retreated  with  a  cold  sweat  on  his  forehead, 
observed  to  the  king  with  a  smile, 

**  That  worthy  lieutenant  would  show  a  little  more 
courage,  I  doubt  not,  your  Majesty,  if  he  were  in  the 
presence  of  your  enemies." 

"It  is  to  be  hoped  so,"  replied  the  king,  with  a  smile. 
"  I  agree  with  you,  Keppel." 

But  his  Majesty  and  Lord  Albemarle  did  not  know  Mr 
Vanslyperken,  as  the  reader  will  acknowledge. 


Chapter  XLI 

In  which  is  shown  how  dangerous  it  is  to  tell  a  secret. 

Mr  Vanslyperken  received  orders  to  attend  with  his  boat 
upon  his  Majesty's  landing,  which  took  place  in  about  a 
quarter  of  an  hour  afterwards,  amidst  another  war  of 
cannon. 

King  William  was  received  by  the  authorities  at  the 
landing  -  stairs,  and  from  thence  he  stepped  into  the 
carriage,  awaiting  him,  and  drove  off  to  his  palace  at  the 
Hague  ;  much  to  the  relief  of  Mr  Vanslyperken,  who  felt 
ill  at  ease  in  the  presence  of  his  sovereign.  When  his 
Majesty  put  his  foot  on  shore,  the  foremost  to  receive  him, 
in  virtue  of  his  office,  was  the  syndic  Mynheer  Van 
Krause,  who,  in  full  costume  of  gown,  chains,  and 
periwig,  bowed  low,  as  his  Majesty  advanced,  expecting 
as  usual  the  gracious  smile  and  friendly  nod  of  his  sove- 


The  Doff  Fiend 


t) 


319 


reign  ;  but  to  his  mortification,  his  reverence  was  returned 
with  a  grave,  if  not  stern  air,  and  the  king  passed  him 
without  further  notice.  All  the  courtiers  also,  who  had 
been  accustomed  to  salute,  and  to  exchange  a  few  words 
with  him,  to  his  astonishment  turned  their  heads  another 
way.  At  first,  Mynheer  Van  Krause  could  hardly  believe 
his  senses,  he  who  had  always  been  so  graciously  received, 
who  had  been  considered  most  truly  as  such  a  staunch 
supporter  of  his  king,  to  be  neglected,  mortified  in  this 
way,  and  without  cause.  Instead  of  following  his  Majesty 
to  his  carriage,  with  the  rest  of  the  authorities,  he  stood 
still  and  transfixed,  the  carriage  drove  off,  and  the  syndic 
hardly  replying  to  some  questions  put  to  him,  hurried 
back  to  his  own  house  in  a  state  of  confusion  and  vexation 
almost  indescribable.  He  hastened  upstairs  and  entered  the 
room  of  Ramsay,  who  was  very  busy  with  the  despatches 
which  he  had  received.  "Well,  Mynheer  Van  Krause, 
how  is  his  Majesty  looking,"  inquired  Ramsay,  who  knew 
that  the  syndic  had  been  down  to  receive  him  on  his 
landing. 

Mynheer  Krause  threw  himself  down  in  a  chair,  threw 
open  his  gown,  and  uttered  a  deep  sigh. 

"  What  is  the  matter,  my  dear  sir,  you  appear  ruffled," 
continued  Ramsay,  who  from  the  extracts  made  by  Vansly- 
perken  from  the  despatches,  was  aware  that  suspicions  had 
been  lodged  against  his  host. 

**  Such  treatment — to  one  of  his  most  devoted  followers," 
exclaimed  Krause,  at  last,  who  then  entered  into  a  detail  of 
what  had  occurred. 

"  Such  is  the  sweet  aspect,  the  smile,  we  would  aspire 
to  of  kings,  Mynheer  Krause." 

'*  But  there  must  be  some  occasion  for  all  this,"  observed 
the  syndic. 

"No  doubt  of  it,"  replied  Ramsay — "  some  reason — but 
not  a  just  one." 

"  That  is  certain,"  replied  the  syndic,  "  some  one  must 
have  maligned  me  to  his  Majesty." 

"  It  may  be,"  replied  Ramsay,  "but  there  may  be  other 


320  Snarleyyow;  or, 

causes,  kings  are  suspicious,  and  subjects  may  be  too  rich 
and  too  powerful.  There  are  many  paupers  among  the 
favourites  of  his  Majesty,  who  would  be  very  glad  to  see 
your  property  confiscated,  and  you  cast  into  prison." 

"  But,  my  dear  sir, — " 

"  You  forget  also,  that  the  Jacobites  are  plotting,  and 
have  been  plotting  for  years ;  that  conspiracy  is  formed 
upon  conspiracy,  and  that  when  so  surrounded  and  op- 
posed, kings  will  be  suspicious." 

"  But  his  Majesty,  King  William, — " 

"  Firmly  attached,  and  loyal  as  I  am  to  my  sovereign, 
Mynheer  Krause,  I  do  not  think  that  King  William  is 
more  to  be  relied  upon  than  King  James.  Kings  are  but 
kings,  they  will  repay  the  most  important  services  by 
smiles,  and  the  least  doubtful  act  with  the  gibbet.  I 
agree  with  you  that  some  one  must  have  maligned  you, 
but  allow  me  to  make  a  remark  that  if  once  suspicion  or 
dislike  enters  into  a  royal  breast,  there  is  no  effacing  it,  a 
complete  verdict  of  innocence  will  not  do  it ;  it  is  like  the 
sapping  of  one  of  the  dams  of  this  country.  Mynheer 
Krause,  the  admission  of  water  is  but  small  at  first,  but  it 
increases  and  increases,  till  it  ends  in  a  general  inun- 
dation." 

"But  I  must  demand  an  audience  of  his  Majesty  and 
explain." 

"  Explain — the  very  attempt  will  be  considered  as  a 
proof  of  your  guilt ;  no,  no,  as  a  sincere  friend  I  should 
advise  you  to  be  quiet,  and  to  take  such  steps  as  the  case 
requires.  That  frown,  that  treatment  of  you  in  public,  is 
sufficient  to  tell  me  that  you  must  prepare  for  the  event. 
Can  you  expect  a  king  to  publicly  retract  ? " 

"  Retract !  no — I  do  not  require  a  public  apology  from 
my  sovereign." 

"  But  if  having  frowned  upon  you  publicly,  he  again 
smiles  upon  you  publicly,  he  does  retract.  He  acknow- 
ledges that  he  was  in  error,  and  it  becomes  a  public 
apology." 

"  God  in  heaven  !  then  I  am  lost,"  replied  the  syndic. 


The  Dog  Fiend  321 

throwing  himself  back  in  his  chair.     **  Do  you  really  think 
so,  Mynheer  Ramsay  ?  " 

"  I  do  not  say  that  you  are  lost.  At  present,  you  have 
only  lost  the  favour  of  the  king  ;  but  you  can  do  without 
that.  Mynheer  Krause." 

"  Do  without  that — but  you  do  not  know  that  without 
that  I  am  lost.  Am  I  not  Syndic  of  this  town  of 
Amsterdam,  and  can  I  expect  to  hold  such  an  important 
situation  if  I  am  out  of  favour  ?  " 

"  Very  true.  Mynheer  Krause  ;  but  what  can  be  done  ? 
you  are  assailed  in  the  dark,  you  do  not  know  the  charges 
brought  against  you,  and  therefore  cannot  refute  or  parry 
with  them." 

**  But  what  charges  can  they  bring  against  me  ? " 

**  There  can  be  but  one  charge  against  a  person  in  your 
high  situation,  that  of  disaffection." 

"  Disaffection !  I  who  am  and  have  always  been  so 
devoted." 

"  The  most  disaffected  generally  appear  the  most 
devoted.  Mynheer  Krause,  that  will  not  help  you." 

"  My  God  !  then,"  exclaimed  Krause,  with  animation, 
"  what  will,  if  loyalty  is  to  be  construed  into  a  sign  of  dis- 
affection ? " 

**  Nothing,"  replied  Ramsay,  coolly.  **  Suspicion  in  the 
heart  of  a  king  is  never  to  be  effaced,  and  disaffection  may 
soon  be  magnified  into  high  treason." 

"  Bless  me  !  "  exclaimed  Van  Krause,  crossing  his  hands 
on  his  heart  in  utter  despair.  **  My  dear  Mynheer  Ramsay, 
will  you  give  me  your  opinion  how  I  should  act  ? " 

"  There  is  no  saying  how  far  you  may  be  right  in  your 
conjectures,  Mynheer  Krause,"  replied  Ramsay  :  "  you  may 
have  been  mistaken." 

**  No,  no,  he  frowned — looked  cross — I  see  his  face 
now." 

**  Yes,  but  a  little  thing  will  sour  the  face  of  royalty, 
his  corn  may  have  pinched  him,  at  the  time  he  might  have 
had  a  twinge  in  the  bowels — his  voyage  may  have  affected 
him." 

s  X 


322  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"  He  smiled  upon  others,  upon  my  friend,  Engelback, 
very  graciously." 

This  was  the  very  party  who  had  prepared  the  charges 
against  Krause — his  own  very  particular  friend. 

"  Did  he  ?  "  replied  Ramsay.  "  Then  depend  upon  it, 
that's  the  very  man  who  has  belied  you." 

"  What,  Engelback  ?  my  particular  friend  ?  " 

"  Yes,  I  should  imagine  so.  Tell  me.  Mynheer  Krause, 
I  trust  you  have  never  entrusted  to  him  the  important 
secrets  which  I  have  made  you  acquainted  with,  for  if  you 
have,  your  knowledge  of  them  would  be  quite  sufficient." 

"  My  knowledge  of  them.  I  really  cannot  understand 
that.  How  can  my  knowledge  of  what  is  going  on  among 
the  king's  friends  and  councillors  be  a  cause  of  suspicion  ? " 

**  Why,  Mynheer  Krause,  because  the  king  is  surrounded 
by  many  who  are  retained  from  policy  and  fear  of  them. 
If  these  secrets  are  made  known  contrary  to  oath,  is  it  not 
clear  that  the  parties  so  revealing  them  must  be  no  sincere 
friends  of  his  Majesty's,  and  will  it  not  be  naturally  con- 
cluded that  those  who  have  possession  of  them,  are  equally 
his  open  or  secret  enemies." 

"  But  then.  Mynheer  Ramsay,  by  that  rule  you  must  be 
his  Majesty's  enemy." 

"  That  does  not  follow.  Mynheer  Krause,  I  may  obtain 
the  secrets  from  those  who  are  not  so  partial  to  his 
Majesty  as  they  are  to  me,  but  that  does  not  disprove  my 
loyalty.  To  expose  them  would  of  course  render  me 
liable  to  suspicion — but  I  guard  them  carefully.  I  have 
not  told  a  word  to  a  soul,  but  to  you,  my  dear  Mynheer 
Krause,  and  I  have  felt  assured  that  you  were  much  too 
loyal  to  make  known  to  anyone,  what  it  was  your  duty 
to  your  king  to  keep  secret ;  surely.  Mynheer  Krause,  you 
have  not  trusted  that  man  ? " 

**  I  may  have  given  a  hint  or  so — I'm  afraid  that  I  did  ; 
but  he  is  my  most  particular  friend." 

"  If  that  is  the  case,"  replied  Ramsay,  "  I  am  not  at  all 
surprised  at  the  king's  frowning  on  you  :  Engelback 
having  intelligence  from  you,  supposed  to  be  known  only 


The  Dog  Fiend  323 

to  the  highest  authorities,  has  thought  it  his  duty  to 
communicate  it  to  government,  and  you  are  now 
suspected." 

"  God  in  heaven  !  I  wish  I  never  had  your  secrets. 
Mynheer  Ramsay.  It  appears  then  that  I  have  committed 
treason  without  knowing  it." 

**  At  all  events,  you  have  incurred  suspicion.  It  is  a 
pity  that  you  mentioned  what  I  confided  to  you,  but 
what's  done  cannot  be  helped,  you  must  now  be  active." 

*'  What  must  I  do,  my  dear  friend  ?" 

*'  Expect  the  worst  and  be  prepared  for  it — you  are 
wealthy,  Mr  Van  Krause,  and  that  will  not  be  in  your 
favour,  it  will  only  hasten  the  explosion,  which  sooner  or 
later  will  take  place.  Remit  as  much  of  your  money  as 
you  can  to  where  it  will  be  secure  from  the  spoilers. 
Convert  all  that  you  can  into  gold,  that  you  may  take 
advantage  of  the  first  opportunity,  if  necessary,  of  flying 
from  their  vengeance.  Do  all  this  very  quietly.  Go  on, 
as  usual,  as  if  nothing  had  occurred — talk  with  your  friend 
Engelback — perform  your  duties  as  syndic.  It  may  blow 
over,  although  I  am  afraid  not.  At  all  events  you  will 
have,  in  all  probability,  some  warning,  as  they  will 
displace  you  as  syndic  before  they  proceed  further.  I 
have  only  one  thing  to  add.  I  am  your  guest,  and  depend 
upon  it,  shall  share  your  fortune  whatever  it  may  be  ;  if 
you  are  thrown  into  prison,  I  am  certain  to  be  sent  there 
also.  You  may  therefore  command  me  as  you  please. 
I  will  not  desert  you,  you  may  depend  upon  it." 

**  My  dear  young  man,  you  are  indeed  a  friend,  and 
your  advice  is  good.  My  poor  Wilhelmina,  what  would 
become  of  her." 

**  Yes,  indeed,  used  to  luxury — her  father  in  prison, 
perhaps  his  head  at  the  gates — his  whole  property 
confiscated,  and  all  because  he  had  the  earliest  intelligence. 
Such  is  the  reward  of  loyalty." 

**  Yes,  indeed,"  repeated  the  syndic,  "  'put  not  your  trust 
in  princes,'  says  the  psalmist.  If  such  is  to  be  the  return 
for  my  loyalty — but  there  is  no  time  to  lose.     I  must  send 


324  Snarleyyow;  or, 

this  post,  to  Hamburgh  and  Frankfort.  Many  thanks,  my 
dear  friend  for  your  kind  council,  which  I  shall  follow," 
so  saying.  Mynheer  Krause  went  to  his  room,  threw  off 
his  gown  and  chains  in  a  passion,  and  hastened  to  his 
counting-house  to  write  his  important  letters. 

We  may  now  take  this  opportunity  of  informing  the 
reader  of  what  had  occurred  in  the  house  of  the  syndic. 
Ramsay  had,  as  may  be  supposed,  gained  the  affections  of 
Wilhelmina ;  had  told  his  love,  and  received  her  acknow- 
ledgment in  return ;  he  had  also  gained  such  a  power  over 
her,  that  she  had  agreed  to  conceal  their  attachment  from 
her  father  ;  as  Ramsay  wished  first,  he  asserted,  to  be 
possessed  of  a  certain  property  which  he  daily  expected 
would  fall  to  him,  and,  until  that,  he  did  not  think  that  he 
had  any  right  to  aspire  to  the  hand  of  Wilhelmina. 

That  Ramsay  was  most  seriously  in  love  there  was  no 
doubt ;  he  would  have  wedded  Wilhelmina,  even  if  she 
had  not  a  sixpence  ;  but  at  the  same  time,  he  was  too  well 
aware  of  the  advantages  of  wealth  not  to  fully  appreciate 
it,  and  he  felt  the  necessity  and  the  justice  to  Wilhelmina, 
that  she  should  not  be  deprived,  by  his  means,  of  those 
luxuries  to  which  she  had  been  brought  up.  But  here 
there  was  a  difficulty,  arising  from  his  espousing  the  very 
opposite  cause  to  that  espoused  by  Mynheer  Krause,  for 
the  difference  of  religion  he  very  rightly  considered  as  a 
mere  trifle  compared  with  the  difference  in  political 
feelings.  He  had  already  weaned  Wilhelmina  from  the 
political  bias,  imbibed  from  her  father  and  his  connections, 
without  acquainting  her  with  his  belonging  to  the  opposite 
party,  for  the  present.  It  had  been  his  intention  as  soon 
as  his  services  were  required  elsewhere,  to  have  demanded 
Wilhelmina's  hand  from  her  father,  still  leaving  him  in 
error  as  to  his  politics ;  and  by  taking  her  with  him,  after 
the  marriage,  to  the  court  of  St  Germains,  to  have  allowed 
Mynheer  Krause  to  think  what  he  pleased,  but  not  to 
enter  into  any  explanation  ;  but,  as  Ramsay  truly  observed. 
Mynheer  Krause  had,  by  his  not  retaining  the  secrets 
confided  to   him,   rendered   himself  suspected,   and  once 


The  Dog  Fiend  325 

suspected  with  King  William,  his  disgrace,  if  not  ruin, 
was  sure  to  follow.  This  fact,  so  important  to  Ramsay's 
plans,  had  been  communicated  in  the  extracts  made 
by  Vanslyperken  from  the  last  despatches,  and  Ramsay 
had  been  calculating  the  consequences  when  Mynheer 
Krause  returned  discomfited  from  the  presence  of  the  king. 

That  Ramsay  played  a  very  diplomatic  game  in  the 
conversation  which  we  have  repeated  is  true ;  but  still  it 
was  the  best  game  for  Krause  as  well  as  for  his  own 
interests,  as  the  events  will  show.  We  must,  however, 
remind  the  reader  that  Ramsay  had  no  idea  whatever  of 
the  double  treachery  on  the  part  of  Vanslyperken,  in 
copying  all  the  letters  sent  by  and  to  him,  as  well  as 
extracting  from  the  government  despatches. 

"  My  dearest  Edward,  what  has  detained  you  so  long 
from  me  this  morning,"  inquired  Wilhelmina  when  he 
entered  the  music-room,  about  an  hour  after  his  conver- 
sation with  the  syndic. 

Ramsay  then  entered  into  the  detail  of  what  had  occurred, 
and  wove  in  such  remarks  of  his  own  as  were  calculated 
to  disgust  Wilhelmina  with  the  conduct  of  King  William, 
and  to  make  her  consider  her  father  as  an  injured  man. 
He  informed  her  of  the  advice  he  had  given  him,  and  then 
pointed  out  to  her  the  propriety  of  her  enforcmg  his 
following  it  with  all  the  arguments  of  persuasion  in  her 
power. 

Wilhelmina's  indignation  was  roused,  and  she  did  not 
fail,  when  speaking  with  her  father,  to  rail  in  no  measured 
tones  against  the  king,  and  to  press  him  to  quit  a  country 
where  he  had  been  so  ill-used.  Mynheer  Krause  felt  the 
same,  his  pride  had  been  severely  wounded ;  and  it  may 
be  truly  said,  that  one  of  the  staunchest  adherents  of  the 
Protestant  king  was  lost  by  a  combination  of  circumstances 
as  peculiar  as  they  were  unexpected- 

In  the  meantime,  the  corporal  had  gone  on  shore  as 
usual  and  made  the  widow  acquainted  with  the  last  attempt 
upon  Smallbones,  and  the  revenge  of  the  ship's  company. 
Babette  had  also  done  her  part. 


326  Snarleyyow;  or, 

She  had  found  out  that  Ramsay  lived  in  the  house  of 
the  syndic,  and  that  he  was  the  passenger  brought  over  by 
Vanslyperken  in  the  cutter. 

The  widow,  who  had  now  almost  arranged  her  plans, 
received  Vanslyperken  more  amicably  than  ever  ;  anathema- 
tised the — supposed  defunct  Smallbones  ;  shed  tears  over 
the  stump  of  Snarleyyow,  and  asked  Vanslyperken  when 
he  intended  to  give  up  the  nasty  cutter  and  live  quietly  on 
shore. 


Chapter  XLII 

In  which  is  shown  the  imprudence  of  sleeping  in  the  open  air,  even  in  a 
summer's  night. 

The  Tungfrau  was  not  permitted  to  remain  more  than  two 
days  at  her  anchorage.  On  the  third  morning  Mr  Vansly- 
perken's  signal  was  made  to  prepare  to  weigh.  He 
immediately  answered  it,  and  giving  his  orders  to  Short, 
hastened,  as  fast  as  he  could,  up  to  the  syndic's  house  to 
inform  Ramsay,  stating,  that  he  must  immediately  return 
on  board  again,  and  that  the  letters  must  be  sent  to  him  : 
Ramsay  perceived  the  necessity  of  this,  and  consented.  On 
his  return  to  the  boat,  Mr  Vanslyperken  found  that  his 
signal  to  repair  on  board  the  frigate  had  been  hoisted,  and 
he  hastened  on  board  to  put  on  his  uniform  and  obey  this 
order.  He  received  his  despatches  from  the  captain  of  the 
frigate,  with  orders  to  proceed  to  sea  immediately.  Mr 
Vanslyperken,  under  the  eye  of  his  superior  officer, 
could  not  dally  or  delay :  he  hove  short,  hoisted  his  main- 
sail, and  fired  a  gun  as  a  signal  for  sailing  ;  anxiously 
looking  out  for  Ramsay's  boat  with  his  letters,  and  afraid 
to  go  without  them ;  but  no  boat  made  its  appearance, 
and  Mr  Vanslyperken  was  forced  to  heave  up  his  anchor. 
Still  he  did  not  like  to  make  sail,  and  he  remained  a  few 
minutes  more,  when  he  at  last  perceived  a  small  boat 
coming  off.  At  the  same  time  he  observed  a  boat  coming 
from  the  frigate,  and  they  arrived  alongside  the  cutter  about 


The  Dog  Fiend  327 

the  same  time,  fortunately  Ramsay's  boat  the  first,  and  Mr 
Vanslyperken  had  time  to  carry  the  letters  down  below. 

"  The  commandant  wishes  to  know  why  you  do  not 
proceed  to  sea,  sir,  in  obedience  to  your  orders,"  said  the 
officer. 

"  I  only  waited  for  that  boat  to  come  on  board,  sir," 
replied  Vanslyperken  to  the  lieutenant. 

"And  pray,  sir,  from  whom  does  that  boat  come?" 
inquired  the  officer. 

**  From  the  syndic's,  Mynheer  Van  Krause,"  replied 
Vanslyperken,  not  knowing  what  else  to  say,  and  thinking 
that  the  name  of  the  syndic  would  be  sufficient. 

"  And  what  did  the  boat  bring  off,  to  occasion  the 
delay,  sir  ? " 

**  A  letter  or  two  for  England,"  replied  Vanslyperken. 

"  Very  well,  sir,  I  wish  you  a  good  morning,"  said  the 
lieutenant,  who  then  went  into  his  boat,  and  Vanslyperken 
made  sail. 

The  delay  of  the  cutter  to  receive  the  syndic's  letters 
was  fully  reported  the  same  evening  to  the  commandant, 
who,  knowing  that  the  syndic  was  suspected,  reported  the 
same  to  the  authorities,  and  this  trifling  circumstance  only 
increased  the  suspicions  against  the  unfortunate  Mynheer 
Van  Krause  j  but  we  must  follow  the  cutter  and  those  on 
board  of  her.  Smallbones  had  remained  concealed  on 
board,  his  wounds  had  been  nearly  healed,  and  it  was  now 
again  proposed  that  he  should,  as  soon  as  they  were  out  at 
sea,  make  his  appearance  to  frighten  Vanslyperken ;  and 
that,  immediately  they  arrived  at  Portsmouth,  he  should 
go  on  shore  and  desert  from  the  cutter,  as  Mr  Vansly- 
perken would,  of  course,  find  out  that  his  mother  was 
killed,  and  the  consequences  to  Smallbones  must  be 
dangerous,  as  he  had  no  evidence,  if  Vanslyperken  swore 
that  he  had  murdered  his  mother  ;  but  this  arrangement 
was  overthrown  by  events  which  we  shall  now  narrate. 
It  was  on  the  third  morning  after  they  sailed,  that  Van- 
slyperken walked  the  deck :  there  was  no  one  but  the  man 
at  the  helm   abaft.     The  weather  was   extremely  sultry, 


328  Snarleyyow;  or, 

for  the  cutter  had  run  with  a  fair  wind  for  the  first  eight- 
and-forty  hours,  and  had  then  been  becalmed  for  the  last 
twenty-four,  and  had  drifted  to  the  back  of  the  Isle  of 
Wight,  when  she  was  not  three  leagues  from  St  Helen's. 
The  consequence  was,  that  the  ebb-tide  had  now  drifted 
her  down  very  nearly  opposite  to  that  part  of  the  island 
where  the  cave  was  situated  of  which  we  have  made 
mention.  Vanslyperken  heard  the  people  talking  below, 
and,  as  usual,  anxious  to  overhear  what  was  said,  had 
stopped  to  listen.  He  heard  the  name  of  Smallbones 
repeated  several  times,  but  could  not  make  out  what  was 
said. 

Anxious  to  know,  he  went  down  the  ladder,  and, 
instead  of  going  into  his  cabin,  crept  softly  forward  on  the 
lower  deck,  when  he  overheard  Coble,  Short,  and  Spurey 
in  consultation. 

"We  shall  be  in  to-morrow,"  said  Spurey,  "if  a  breeze 
springs  up,  and  then  it  will  be  too  late :  Smallbones  must 
frighten  him  again  to-night." 

"  Yes,"  replied  Short. 

"  He  shall  go  into  his  cabin  at  twelve  o'clock,  that  will 
be  the  best  way." 

"But  the  corporal." 

"  Hush  ! — there  is  someone  there,"  said  Spurey,  who, 
attracted  by  a  slight  noise  made  by  Vanslyperken's  boots, 
turned  short  round. 

Vanslyperken  retreated  and  gained  the  deck  by  the 
ladder ;  he  had  hardly  been  up  when  he  observed  a  face  at 
the  hatchway,  who  was  evidently  looking  to  ascertain  if  he 
was  on  deck. 

These  few  words  overheard,  satisfied  Vanslyperken 
that  Smallbones  was  alive  and  on  board  the  cutter  ;  and  he 
perceived  how  he  had  been  played  with.  His  rage  was 
excessive,  but  he  did  not  know  how  to  act.  If  Smallbones 
was  alive,  and  that  he  appeared  to  be,  he  must  have 
escaped  from  his  mother,  and,  of  course,  the  ship's 
company  must  know  that  his  life  had  been  attempted. 
That  he  did  not  care  much  about  *,  he  had  not  done  the 


The  Dog  Fiend  329 

deed  ;  but  how  the  lad  could  have  come  on  board  !  did  he 
not  see  him  lying  dead  ?  It  was  very  strange,  and  the  life 
of  the  boy  must  be  charmed.  At  all  events,  it  was  a 
mystery  which  Mr  Vanslyperken  could  not  solve ;  at  first, 
he  thought  that  he  would  allow  Smallbones  to  come  into 
the  cabin,  and  get  a  loaded  pistol  ready  for  him.  The 
words,  "  But  the  corporal,"  which  were  cut  short,  proved 
to  him  that  the  corporal  was  no  party  to  the  affair ;  yet  it 
was  strange  that  the  ship's  company  could  have  concealed 
the  lad  without  the  corporal's  knowledge.  Vanslyperken 
walked  and  walked,  and  thought  and  thought ;  at  last  he 
resolved  to  go  down  into  his  cabin,  pretend  to  go  to  bed, 
lock  his  door,  which  was  not  his  custom,  and  see  if  they 
would  attempt  to  come  in.  He  did  so,  the  corporal  was 
dismissed,  and  at  twelve  o'clock  his  door  was  tried  and 
tried  again ;  but  being  fast,  the  party  retreated.  Vansly- 
perken waited  till  two  bells  to  ascertain  if  any  more 
attempts  would  be  made  ;  but  none  were,  so  he  rose  from 
his  bed,  where  he  had  thrown  himself  with  his  clothes  on, 
and,  opening  the  door  softly,  crept  upon  deck.  The  night 
was  very  warm,  but  there  was  a  light  and  increasing 
breeze,  and  the  cutter  was  standing  in  and  close  to  the 
shore  to  make  a  long  board  upon  next  tack.  Vansly- 
perken passed  the  man  at  the  helm,  and  walked  aft  to  the 
taffrail ;  he  stood  up  on  the  choak  to  ascertain  what  way 
she  was  making  through  the  water,  and  he  was  meditating 
upon  the  best  method  of  proceeding.  Had  he  known 
where  Smallbones'  hammock  was  hung,  he  would  have 
gone  down  with  the  view  of  ascertaining  the  fact;  but 
with  a  crew  so  evidently  opposed  to  him,  he  could  not  see 
how  even  the  ascertaining  that  Smallbones  was  on  board, 
would  be  productive  of  any  good  consequences.  The 
more  Vanslyperken  thought,  the  more  he  was  puzzled. 
The  fact  is,  that  he  was  between  the  horns  of  a  dilemma ; 
but  the  devil,  who  always  helps  his  favourites,  came  to  the 
aid  of  Mr  Vanslyperken.  The  small  boat  was,  as  usual, 
hoisted  up  astern,  and  Mr  Vanslyperken's  eyes  were 
accidentally  cast  upon  it.    He  perceived  a  black  mass  lying 


330  Snarleyyow;  or, 

on  the  thwarts,  and  he  examined  it  more  closely :  he  heard 
snoring ;  it  was  one  of  the  ship's  company  sleeping  there 
against  orders.  He  leant  over  the  taffrail,  and  putting 
aside  the  great-coat  which  covered  the  party,  he  looked 
attentively  on  the  face — there  was  no  doubt  it  was  Small- 
bones  himself.  From  a  knowledge  of  the  premises, 
Vanslyperken  knew  at  once  that  the  lad  was  in  his 
power. 

The  boat,  after  being  hauled  up  with  tackles,  was  hung 
by  a  single  rope  at  each  davit.  It  was  very  broad  in  pro- 
portion to  its  length,  and  was  secured  from  motion  by  a 
single  gripe,  which  confined  it  in  its  place,  bowsing  it 
close  to  the  stern  of  the  cutter,  and  preventing  it  from 
turning  over  bottom  up,  which,  upon  the  least  weight 
upon  one  gunnel  or  the  other,  would  be  inevitably  the 
case.  SmalJ bones  was  lying  close  to  the  gunnel  next  to 
the  stern  of  the  cutter.  By  letting  go  the  gripe,  therefore, 
the  boat  would  immediately  turn  bottom  up,  and  Small- 
bones  would  be  dropped  into  the  sea.  Vanslyperken  care- 
fully examined  the  fastenings  of  the  gripe,  found  that  they 
were  to  be  cast  off  by  one  movement,  and  that  his  success 
was  certain ;  but  still  he  was  cautious.  The  man  at  the 
helm  must  hear  the  boat  go  over  j  he  might  hear  Small- 
bones'  cry  for  assistance.  So  Vanslyperken  went  forward 
to  the  man  at  the  helm,  and  desired  him  to  go  down  and 
to  order  Corporal  Van  Spitter  to  mix  a  glass  of  brandy- 
and-water,  and  send  it  up  by  him,  and  that  he  would  steer 
the  vessel  till  he  came  up  again.  The  man  went  down  to 
execute  the  order,  and  Vanslyperken  steered  the  cutter  for 
half  a  minute,  during  which  he  looked  forward  to  ascertain 
if  any  one  was  moving.  All  was  safe,  the  watch  was  all 
asleep  forward,  and  Vanslyperken,  leaving  the  cutter  to 
steer  itself,  hastened  aft,  cast  off  the  gripe,  the  boat,  as  he 
calculated,  immediately  turning  over,  and  the  sleeping 
Smallbones  fell  into  the  sea.  Vanslyperken  hastened  back 
to  the  helm,  and  put  the  cutter's  head  right.  He  heard 
the  cry  of  Smallbones,  but  it  was  not  loud,  for  the  cutter 
had  already  left  him  astern,  and  it  was  fainter  and  fainter. 


The  Dog  Fiend  331 

and  at  last  it  was  heard  no  more,  and  not  one  of  the  watch 
had  been  disturbed. 

**  If  ever  you  haunt  me  again,'*  muttered  Vanslyperken, 
**  may  I  be  hanged." 

We  particularly  call  the  reader's  attention  to  these  words 
of  Mr  Vanslyperken. 

The  man  returned  with  the  brandy-and-water,  with 
which  Vanslyperken  drank  bon  voyage  to  poor  Smallbones. 
He  then  ordered  the  cutter  to  be  put  about,  and  as  soon  as 
she  was  round,  he  went  down  into  his  cabin  and  turned  in 
with  greater  satisfaction  than  he  had  for  a  long  time. 

"  We  shall  have  got  rid  of  him  at  last,  my  poor  dog," 
said  he,  patting  Snarleyyow's  head.  **  Your  enemy  is  gone 
for  ever." 

And  Mr  Vanslyperken  slept  soundly,  because,  although 
he  had  committed  a  murder,  there  was  no  chance  of  his 
being  found  out.  We  soon  get  accustomed  to  crime : 
before,  he  started  at  the  idea  of  murder ;  now,  all  that  he 
cared  for  was  detection. 

"  Good-night  to  you,  Mr  Vanslyperken." 


Chapter  XLIII 

In  which  Smallbones  changes  from  a  king's  man  into  a  smuggler,  and  also 
changes  his  sex. 

If  we  adhered  to  the  usual  plans  of  historical  novel  writers, 
we  should,  in  this  instance,  leave  Smallbones  to  what  must 
appear  to  have  been  his  inevitable  fate,  and  then  bring  him 
on  the  stage  again  with  a  coup  de  theatre^  when  least  ex- 
pected by  the  reader.  But  that  is  not  our  intention  ;  we 
consider  that  the  interest  of  this  our  narration  of  by-gone 
events  is  quite  sufficient,  without  condescending  to  what  is 
called  claptrap ;  and  there  are  so  many  people  in  our 
narrative  continually  labouring  under  deception  of  one 
kind  or  another,  that  we  need  not  add  to  it  by  attempting 
to  mystify  our  readers  ;  who,  on  the  contrary,  we  shall 


^;^2  Snarleyyow;  or, 

take  with  us  familiarly  by  the  hand,  and,  like  a  faithful 
historian,  lead  them  through  the  events  in  the  order  in 
which  they  occurred,  and  point  out  to  them  how  they  all 
lead  to  one  common  end.  With  this  intention  in  view,  we 
shall  now  follow  the  fortunes  of  Smallbones,  whom  we 
left  floundering  in  about  seven  fathoms  water. 

The  weather  was  warm,  even  sultry,  as  we  said  before ; 
but  notwithstanding  which,  and  notwithstanding  he  was  a 
very  tolerable  swimmer,  considering  that  he  was  so  thin, 
Smallbones  did  not  like  it.  To  be  awoke  out  of  a  pro- 
found sleep,  and  all  of  a  sudden  to  find  yourself  flounder- 
ing out  of  your  depth  about  half  a  mile  from  the  nearest 
land,  is  anything  but  agreeable ;  the  transition  is  too  rapid. 
Smallbones  descended  a  few  feet  before  he  could  divest 
himself  of  the  folds  of  the  Flustering  coat  which  he  had 
wrapped  himself  up  in.  It  belonged  to  Coble,  he  had  pur- 
chased it  at  a  sale-shop  on  the  Point  for  seventeen  shillings 
and  sixpence,  and,  moreover,  it  was  as  good  as  new.  In 
consequence  of  this  delay  below  water-mark,  Smallbones 
had  very  little  breath  left  in  his  body  when  he  rose  to  the 
surface,  and  he  could  not  inflate  his  lungs  so  as  to  call 
loud  until  the  cutter  had  walked  away  from  him  at  least 
one  hundred  yards,  for  she  was  slipping  fast  through  the 
water,  and  another  minute  plainly  proved  to  Smallbones 
that  he  was  left  to  his  own  resources. 

At  first,  the  lad  had  imagined  that  it  was  an  accident, 
and  that  the  rope  had  given  way  with  his  weight  j  but 
when  he  found  that  no  attention  was  paid  to  his  cries, 
he  then  was  convinced  that  it  was  the  work  of  Mr 
Vanslyperken. 

*'By  gum,  he's  a  done  for  me  at  last.  Well,  I  don't 
care,  I  can  die  but  once,  that's  sartin  sure ;  and  he'll  go  to 
the  devil,  that's  sartin  sure." 

And  Smallbones,  with  this  comfortable  assurance,  con- 
tinued to  strike  out  for  the  land,  which,  indeed,  he  had 
but  little  prospect  of  ever  making. 

"  A  shame  for  to  come  for  to  go  to  murder  a  poor  lad 
three  or  four  times  over,"  sputtered  Smallbones,  after  a 


The  Dog  Fiend  ^^^ 

time,  feeling  his  strength  fail  him.  He  then  turned  on 
his  back,  to  ease  his  arms. 

"I  can't  do  it  no  how,  I  sees  that,"  said  Smallbones, 
"  so  I  may  just  as  well  go  down  like  a  dipsey  lead." 

But,  as  he  muttered  this,  and  was  making  up  his  mind 
to  discontinue  further  exertions, — not  a  very  easy  thing 
to  do,  when  you  are  about  to  go  into  another  world,  still 
floating  on  his  back,  with  his  eyes  fixed  on  the  starry 
heavens,  thinking,  as  Smallbones  afterwards  narrated 
himself,  that  there  wasn't  much  to  live  for  in  this  here 
world,  and  considering  what  there  could  be  in  that  'ere, 
his  head  struck  against  something  hard.  Smallbones 
immediately  turned  round  in  the  water  to  see  what  it 
was,  and  found  that  it  was  one  of  the  large  corks  which 
supported  a  heavy  net  laid  out  across  the  tide  for  the 
taking  of  shoal-fish.  The  cork  was  barely  sufficient 
to  support  his  weight,  but  it  gave  him  a  certain  relief, 
and  time  to  look  about  him,  as  the  saying  is.  The  lad  ran 
under  the  net  and  cork  with  his  hands  until  he  arrived  at 
the  nearest  shoal,  for  it  was  three  or  four  hundred  yards 
long.  When  he  arrived  there,  he  contrived  to  bring  some 
of  the  corks  together,  until  he  had  quite  sufficient  for  his 
support,  and  then  Smallbones  voted  himself  pretty  com- 
fortable after  all,  for  the  water  was  very  warm,  and  now 
quite  smooth. 

Smallbones,  as  the  reader  may  have  observed  during 
the  narration,  was  a  lad  of  most  indisputable  courage  and  of 
good  principles.  Had  it  been  his  fortune  to  have  been 
born  among  the  higher  classes,  and  to  have  had  all  the 
advantages  of  education,  he  might  have  turned  out  a 
hero ;  as  it  was,  he  did  his  duty  well  in  that  state  of  life 
to  which  he  had  been  called,  and  as  he  said  in  his  speech 
to  the  men  on  the  forecastle,  he  feared  God,  honoured 
the  king,  and  was  the  natural  enemy  to  the  devil. 

The  Chevalier  Bayard  was  nothing  more,  only  he  had 
a  wider  field  for  his  exertions  and  his  talents  •,  but  the 
armed  and  accoutred  Bayard  did  not  show  more  courage 
and  conduct  when  leading  armies  to  victory,  than  did  the 


334  Snarleyyow;  or, 

unarmed  Smallbones  against  Vanslyperken  and  his  dog. 
We  consider  that  in  his  way,  Smallbones  was  quite  as 
great  a  hero  as  the  Chevalier,  for  no  man  can  do  more 
than  his  best  •  indeed,  it  is  unreasonable  to  expect  it. 

While  Smallbones  hung  on  to  the  corks,  he  was 
calculating  his  chances  of  being  saved. 

"  If  so  be  as  how  they  comes  to  take  up  the  nets  in  the 
morning,  why  then  I  think  I  may  hold  on ;  but  if  so  be 
they  waits,  why  they'll  then  find  me  dead  as  a  fish,"  said 
Smallbones,  who  seldom  ventured  above  a  monosyllable, 
and  whose  language  if  not  considered  as  pure  English, 
was  certainly  amazingly  Saxon;  and  then  Smallbones 
began  to  reflect,  whether  it  was  not  necessary  that  he 
should  forgive  Mr  Vanslyperken  before  he  died,  and  his 
pros  and  cons  ended  with  his  thinking  he  could,  for  it 
was  his  duty  ;  however  he  would  not  be  in  a  hurry  about 
it,  he  thought  that  was  the  last  thing  that  he  need  do ; 
but  as  for  the  dog,  he  wa'n't  obliged  to  forgive  him  that 
was  certain — as  certain  as  that  his  tail  was  off;  and  Small- 
bones, up  to  his  chin  in  the  water,  grinned  so  at  the 
remembrance,  that  he  took  in  more  salt  water  than  was 
pleasant. 

He  spit  it  out  again,  and  then  looked  up  to  the  stars, 
which  were  twinkling  above  him. 

I  wonder  what  o'clock  it  is,  thought  Smallbones,  when 
he  thought  he  heard  a  distant  sound.  Smallbones  pricked 
up  his  ears  and  listened ; — yes,  it  was  in  regular  cadence, 
and  became  louder  and  louder.     It  was  a  boat  pulling. 

"  Well,  I  am  sure,"  thought  Smallbones,  "  they'll  think 
they  have  caught  a  queer  fish  anyhow:"  and  he  waited 
very  patiently  for  the  fisherman  to  come  up.  At  last 
he  perceived  the  boat,  which  was  very  long  and  pulled 
many  oars.  "They  be  the  smuglars,"  thought  Small- 
bones. 

"  I  wonder  whether  they'll  pick  up  a  poor  lad  ?  Boat 
ahoy ! " 

The  boat  continued  to  pass  towards  the  coast,  impelled 
at  the  speed  of  seven  or  eight  miles  an  hour,  and  was 


The  Dog  Fiend  ^^^ 

now  nearly  abreast  of  Smallbones,  and  not  fifty  yards 
from  him. 

**I  say,  boat  ahoy!"  screamed  Smallbones,  to  the  extent 
of  his  voice. 

He  was  heard  this  time,  and  there  was  a  pause  in  the 
pulling,  the  boat  still  driving  through  the  water  with  the 
impulse  which  had  been  given  her,  as  if  she  required  no 
propelling  power. 

"  I  say  you  arn't  a  going  for  to  come  for  to  leave  a 
poor  lad  here  to  be  drowned,  are  you  ? " 

"That's  Smallbones,  I'll  swear,"  cried  Jemmy  Ducks, 
who  was  steering  the  boat,  and  who  immediately  shifted 
the  helm. 

But  Sir  Robert  Barclay  paused ;  there  was  too  much 
at  stake  to  run  any  risk,  even  to  save  the  life  of  a  fellow- 
creature. 

*'  You  takes  time  for  to  think  on  it  anyhow,"  cried 
Smallbones — "  you  are  going  for  to  leave  a  feilow-christian 
stuck  like  a  herring  in  a  fishing  net,  are  you  ?  you  would 
not  like  it  yourself,  anyhow." 

"It  is  Smallbones,  sir,"  repeated  Jemmy  Ducks,  " and 
I'll  vouch  for  him  as  a  lad  that's  good  and  true." 

Sir  Barclay  no  longer  hesitated :  "  Give  way,  my  lads, 
and  pick  him  up." 

In  a  few  minutes,  Smallbones  was  hauled  in  over  the 
gunnel,  and  was  seated  on  the  stern-sheets  opposite  to 
Sir  Robert. 

"It's  a  great  deal  colder  out  of  the  water  than  in, 
that's  sartain,"  observed  Smallbones,  shivering. 

"  Give  way,  my  lads,  we've  no  time  to  stay,"  cried 
Sir  Robert. 

"  Take  this,  Smallbones,"  said  Jemmy. 

"  Why,  so  it  is.  Jemmy  Ducks ! "  replied  Small- 
bones, with  astonishment — "why,  how  did  you  come 
here?" 

"  Sarcumstances,"  replied  Jemmy ;  "  how  did  you  come 
there?" 

"  Sarcumstances  too.  Jemmy,"  replied  Smallbones. 


33^  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"  Keep  silence,"  said  Sir  Robert,  and  nothing  more 
was  said  until  the  lugger  dashed  into  the  cave. 

The  cargo  was  landed,  and  Smallbones  who  was  very 
cold  was  not  sorry  to  assist.  He  carried  up  his  load  with 
the  rest,  and  as  usual  the  women  came  halfway  down  to 
receive  it. 

"  Why,  who  have  we  here  ? "  said  one  of  the  women 
to  whom  Smallbones  was  delivering  his  load,  "  why,  it's 
Smallbones." 

"  Yes,"  replied  Smallbones,  it  is  me ;  "  but  how  came 
you  here,  Nancy  ? " 

"  That's  tellings,  but  how  came  you,  my  lad  ? "  replied 
Nancy. 

"  I  came  by  water  anyhow." 

"Well,  you  are  one  of  us  now,  you  know  there's  no 
going  back." 

"I'm  sure  I  don't  want  to  go  back,  Nancy;  but  what 
is  to  be  done  ?  nothing  unchristianlike  I  hope." 

"We're  all  good  Christians  here,  Smallbones;  we 
don't  bow  down  to  idols  and  pay  duty  to  them  as  other 
people  do." 

"  Do  you  fear  God,  and  honour  the  king  ? " 

"  We  do ;  the  first  as  much  as  the  other  people,  and 
as  for  the  king,  we  love  him  and  serve  him  faithfully." 

"  Well,  then  I  suppose  that's  all  right,"  replied  Small- 
bones ;  "  but  where  do  you  live  ? " 

"  Come  with  me,  take  your  load  up,  and  I  will  show 
you,  for  the  sooner  you  are  there  the  better;  the  boat 
will  be  off  again  in  half-an-hour,  if  I  mistake  not." 

"  Off,  where  ?  " 

"  To  France,  with  a  message  to  the  king." 

"  Why,  the  king's  in  Holland  !  we  left  him  there  when 
we  sailed." 

"  Pooh  !  nonsense  !  come  along." 

When  Sir  Robert  arrived  at  the  cave,  he  found  an  old 
friend  anxiously  awaiting  his  arrival ;  it  was  Graham, 
who  had  been  despatched  by  the  Jacobites  to  the  court 
of  St   Germains,  with  intelligence  of  great  importance,. 


The  Dog  Fiend  337 

which  was  the  death  of  the  young  Duke  of  Gloucester, 
the  only  surviving  son  of  King  William.  He  had,  it 
was  said,  died  of  a  malignant  fever ;  but  if  the  reader 
will  call  to  mind  the  address  of  one  of  the  Jesuits  on  the 
meeting  at  Cherbourg,  he  may  have  some  surmises  as  to 
the  cause  of  the  duke's  decease.  As  this  event  rendered 
the  succession  uncertain,  the  hopes  of  the  Jacobites  were 
raised  to  the  highest  pitch :  the  more  so  as  the  country 
was  in  a  state  of  anxiety  and  confusion,  and  King  William 
was  absent  at  the  Hague.  Graham  had,  therefore,  been 
despatched  to  the  exiled  James,  with  the  propositions 
from  his  friends  in  England,  and  to  press  the  necessity 
of  an  invasion  of  the  country.  As  Nancy  had  supposed. 
Sir  Robert  decided  upon  immediately  crossing  over  to 
Cherbourg,  the  crew  were  allowed  a  short  time  to  repose 
and  refresh  themselves,  and  once  more  returned  to  their 
laborious  employment  ;  Jemmy  Ducks  satisfied  Sir  Robert 
that  Smallbones  might  be  trusted  and  be  useful,  and 
Nancy  corroborated  his  assertions.  He  was,  therefore, 
allowed  to  remain  in  the  cave  with  the  women,  and  Sir 
Robert  and  his  crew,  long  before  Smallbones'  garments 
were  dry,  were  again  crossing  the  English  Channel. 

Now,  it  must  be  observed,  that  Smallbones  was  never 
well  off  for  clothes,  and,  on  this  occasion,  when  he  fell 
overboard,  he  had  nothing  on  but  an  old  pair  of  thin 
linen  trousers  and  a  shirt  which,  from  dint  of  long  wash- 
ing, from  check  had  turned  to  a  light  cerulean  blue : 
what  with  his  struggles  at  the  net  and  the  force  used  to 
pull  him  into  the  boat,  the  shirt  had  more  than  one-half 
disappeared — that  is  to  say,  one  sleeve  and  the  back  were 
wholly  gone,  and  the  other  sleeve  was  well  prepared  to 
follow  its  fellow,  on  the  first  capful  of  wind.  His 
trousers  also  were  in  almost  as  bad  a  state.  In  hauling 
him  in,  when  his  head  was  over  the  gunnel,  one  of  the 
men  had  seized  him  by  the  seat  of  his  trousers  to  lift 
him  into  the  boat,  and  the  consequence  was,  that  the 
seat  of  his  trousers  having  been  too  long  set  upon,  was 
also   left   in   his   muscular   gripe.      All   these   items  put 


^^S  Snarleyyow;  or, 

together,  the  reader  may  infer,  that,  although  Small- 
bones  might  appear  merely  ragged  in  front,  that  in  his 
rear  he  could  not  be  considered  as  decent,  especially  as 
he  was  the  only  one  of  the  masculine  sex  among  a  body 
of  females.  No  notice  was  taken  of  this  by  others,  nor 
did  Smallbones  observe  it  himself,  during  the  confusion 
and  bustle  previous  to  the  departure  of  the  smugglers  -, 
but  now  they  were  gone,  Smallbones  perceived  his 
deficiencies,  and  was  very  much  at  a  loss  what  to  do,  as 
he  was  aware  that  daylight  would  discover  them  to 
others  as  well  as  to  himself:  so  he  fixed  his  back  up 
against  one  of  the  rocks,  and  remained  idle  while  the 
women  were  busily  employed  storing  away  the  cargo  in 
the  various  compartments  of  the  cave. 

Nancy,  who  had  not  forgotten  that  he  was  with  them, 
came  up  to  him. 

"  Why  do  you  stay  there,  Smallbones  ?  you  must  be 
hungry  and  cold,  come  in  with  me,  and  I  will  find  you 
something  to  eat." 

"I  can't.  Mistress  Nancy,  I  want  your  advice  first. 
Has  any  of  the  men  left  any  of  their  duds  in  this  here 
cavern  ? " 

"  Duds,  men !  No,  they  keep  them  all  on  the  other 
side.  We  have  nothing  but  petticoats  here  and 
shimmeys." 

"  Then  what  must  I  do  ?  "  exclaimed  Smallbones. 

**  Oh,  I  see,  your  shirt  is  torn  off  your  back.  Well, 
never  mind,  I'll  lend  you  a  shimmey." 

**  Yes,  Mistress  Nancy,  but  it  be  more  worse  than  that, 
I  an't  got  no  behind  to  my  trousers,  they  pulled  it  out 
when  they  pulled  me  into  the  boat.  I  sticks  to  this  here 
rock  for  decency's  sake.     What  must  I  do  ? " 

Nancy  burst  into  a  laugh.  "  Do,  why  if  you  can't  have 
men's  clothes,  you  must  put  on  the  women's,  and  then 
you'll  be  in  the  regular  uniform  of  the  cave." 

"  I  do  suppose  that  I  must,  but  I  can't  say  that  I  like  the 
idea  much,  anyhow,"  replied  Smallbones. 

"Why,  you   don't  mean  to   stick  to  that  rock  like  a 


The  Dog  Fiend  339 

limpit  all  your  life,  do  you  ?  there's  plenty  of  work  for 
you." 

"If  so  be,  I  must,  I  must,"  replied  Smallbones. 

"  You  can't  appear  before  Mistress  Alice  in  that  state," 
replied  Nancy.  '*  She's  a  lady  bred  and  born,  and  very 
particular  too,  and  then  there's  Miss  Lilly,  you  will  turn 
her  as  red  as  a  rose,  if  she  sees  you." 

"  Well  then,  I  suppose  I  must,  Mistress  Nancy,  for  I 
shall  catch  my  death  of  cold  here,  I'm  all  wet  and  shivery, 
from  being  so  long  in  the  water,  and  my  back  against  the 
rock,  feels  just  as  ice." 

"  No  wonder,  I'll  run  and  fetch  you  something,"  replied 
Nancy,  who  was  delighted  at  the  idea  of  dressing  up 
Smallbones  as  a  woman. 

Nancy  soon  returned  with  a  chemise,  a  short  flannel 
petticoat,  and  a  shawl,  which  she  gave  to  Smallbones, 
desiring  him  to  take  off  his  wet  clothes,  and  substitute 
them.  She  would  return  to  him  as  soon  as  he  had  put 
them  on,  and  see  that  they  were  put  tidy  and  right. 

Smallbones  retired  behind  one  of  the  rocks,  and  soon 
shifted  his  clothes,  he  put  everything  on  the  hind  part 
before,  and  Nancy  had  to  alter  them  when  she  came.  She 
adjusted  the  shawl,  and  then  led  him  into  the  cave  where 
he  found  Mistress  Alice,  and  some  of  the  women  who 
were  not  busy  with  the  cargo. 

"  Here's  the  poor  lad  who  was  thrown  overboard, 
madam,"  said  Nancy,  retaining  her  gravity.  "  All  his 
clothes  were  torn  off  his  back,  and  I  have  been  obliged  to 
give  him  these  to  put  on." 

Lady  Barclay  could  hardly  repress  a  smile.  Smallbones' 
appearance  was  that  of  a  tall  gaunt  creature,  pale  enough, 
and  smooth  enough  to  be  a  woman  certainly,  but  cutting  a 
most  ridiculous  figure.  His  long  thin  arms  were  bare,  his 
neck  was  like  a  crane's,  and  the  petticoats  were  so  short  as 
to  reach  almost  above  his  knees.  Shoes  and  stockings  he 
had  none.  His  long  hair  was  platted  and  matted  with  the 
salt  water,  and  one  side  of  his  head  was  shaved,  and 
exhibited  a  monstrous  half-healed  scar. 


340  Snarleyyow;  or, 

Lady  Barclay  asked  him  a  few  questions,  and  then 
desired  Nancy  to  give  him  some  refreshment,  and  find 
him  something  to  lie  down  upon  in  the  division  of  the 
cave  which  was  used  as  a  kitchen. 

But  we  must  now  leave  Smallbones  to  entertain  the 
inhabitants  of  the  cave  with  the  history  of  his  adventures, 
which  he  did  at  intervals,  during  his  stay  there.  He 
retained  his  women's  clothes,  for  Nancy  would  not  let 
him  wear  any  other,  and  was  a  source  of  great  amuse- 
ment not  only  to  the  smugglers'  wives,  but  also  to 
little  Lilly,  who  would  listen  to  his  conversation  and 
remarks  which  were  almost  as  naive  and  unsophisticated 
as  her  own. 


Chapter  XLIV 

In  which  Mr  Vanslyperken  meets  with  a  double  defeat. 

It  was  late  in  the  evening  of  the  day  after  Smallbones 
had  been  so  satisfactorily  disposed  of  that  the  cutter 
arrived  at  Portsmouth;  but  from  daylight  until  the  time 
that  the  cutter  anchored,  there  was  no  small  confusion 
and  bustle  on  board  of  the  Tungfrau,  When  Vansly- 
perken's  cabin  door  was  found  to  be  locked,  it  was 
determined  that  Smallbones  should  not  appear  as  a 
supernatural  visitant  that  night,  but  wait  till  the  one 
following  ;  consequently  the  parties  retired  to  bed,  and 
Smallbones,  who  found  the  heat  between  decks  very 
oppressive,  had  crept  up  the  ladder  and  taken  a  berth 
in  the  small  boat  that  he  might  sleep  cool  and  comfortable, 
intending  to  be  down  below  again  long  before  Mr  Van- 
slyperken was  up ;  but,  as  the  reader  knows,  Mr  Van- 
slyperken was  up  before  him,  and  the  consequence  was 
that  Smallbones  went  down  into  the  sea  instead  of  the 
lower  deck  as  he  had  intended. 

The  next  morning  it  was  soon  ascertained  that  Small- 
bones was  not  to  be  found,  and  the  ship's  company  were 
in  a  state  of  dismay.     The  boat,  as  soon  as  Smallbones 


The  Dog  Fiend  341 

had  been  turned  out,  had  resumed  her  upright  position, 
and  one  of  the  men  when  busy  washing  the  decks,  had 
made  fast  the  gripe  again,  which  he  supposed  had  been 
cast  off  by  accident  when  the  ropes  had  been  coiled  up 
for  washing,  Smallbones  not  being  at  that  time  missed. 
When,  therefore,  the  decks  had  been  searched  everywhere 
and  the  lad  was  discovered  not  to  be  in  the  ship,  the 
suspicion  was  very  great.  No  one  had  seen  him  go  aft 
to  sleep  in  the  boat.  The  man  who  was  at  the  wheel 
stated  that  Mr  Vanslyperken  had  sent  him  down  for  a 
glass  of  grog,  and  had  taken  the  helm  for  the  time  •,  but 
this  proved  nothing.  His  disappearance  was  a  mystery 
not  to  be  unravelled.  An  appeal  to  Mr  Vanslyperken 
was,  of  course,  impossible,  for  he  did  not  know  that  the 
lad  was  on  board.  The  whole  day  was  spent  in  surmises 
and  suppositions ;  but  things  all  ended  in  the  simple  fact, 
that  somehow  or  another  Smallbones  had  fallen  overboard, 
and  there  was  an  end  of  the  poor  fellow. 

So  soon  as  the  cutter  was  at  anchor,  Mr  Vanslyperken 
hastened  to  perform  his  official  duties,  and  anxious  to 
learn  how  Smallbones  had  contrived  to  escape  the  clutches 
of  his  mother,  bent  his  steps  towards  the  half-way  houses. 
He  arrived  at  the  door  of  his  mother's  room,  and  knocked 
as  usual,  but  there  was  no  reply.  It  was  now  the  latter 
end  of  July,  and  although  it  was  past  seven  o'clock  it  was 
full  daylight.  Vanslyperken  knocked  again  and  again. 
His  mother  must  be  out,  he  thought ;  and  if  so,  she 
always  took  the  key  with  her.  He  had  nothing  to  do 
but  to  wait  for  her  return.  The  passage  and  staircase 
was  dark,  but  there  was  a  broad  light  in  the  room  from 
the  casement,  and  this  light  streamed  from  under  the 
door  of  the  room.  A  shade  crossing  the  light  attracted 
Vanslyperken's  attention,  and  to  while  away  the  tedious- 
ness  of  waiting  he  was  curious  to  see  what  it  was  •,  he 
knelt  down,  looked  under  the  door,  and  perceived  the 
key  which  Smallbones  had  placed  there ;  he  inserted  his 
finger  and  drew  it  forth,  imagining  that  his  mother  had 
slid  it  beneath  till  her  return. 


342  Snarleyyow;  or, 

He  fitted  it  to  the  lock  and  opened  the  door,  when  his 
olfactory  nerves  were  offended  with  a  dreadful  stench, 
which  surprised  him  the  more  as  the  casement  was  open. 
Vanslyperken  surveyed  the  room,  he  perceived  that  the 
blood  had  been  washed  from  the  floor  and  sand  strewed 
over  it.  Had  he  not  known  that  Smallbones  had  been 
on  board  of  the  cutter  the  day  before,  he  would  have 
thought  that  it  had  been  the  smell  of  the  dead  body  not 
yet  removed.  This  thought  crossing  his  imagination, 
immediately  made  the  truth  flash  upon  him,  and,  as  if 
instinctively,  he  went  up  to  the  bed  and  pulled  down  the 
clothes,  when  he  recoiled  back  with  horror  at  uncovering 
the  face  of  his  mother,  now  of  a  livid  blue  and  in  the 
last  stage  of  putrefaction. 

Overcome  with  the  horrid  sight,  and  the  dreadful 
stench  which  accompanied  it,  he  reeled  to  the  casement 
and  gasped  for  breath.  A  sickness  came  over  him,  and 
for  some  time  he  was  incapable  of  acting  and  barely 
capable  of  reflection. 

"  She  is  gone  then,"  thought  he  at  last,  and  he  shuddered 
when  he  asked  himself  where.  "  She  must  have  fallen  by 
the  hands  of  the  lad,"  continued  he,  and  immediately  the 
whole  that  had  happened  appeared  to  be  revealed  to  him. 
**  Yes,  yes,  he  has  recovered  from  the  blow — killed  her 
and  locked  the  door — all  is  clear  now,  but  I  have  revenged 
her  death." 

Vanslyperken,  who  had  now  recovered  himself,  went 
softly  to  the  door,  took  out  the  key  and  locked  himself 
in.  He  had  been  debating  in  his  mind  whether  he  should 
call  in  the  neighbours ;  but,  on  reflection,  as  no  one  had 
seen  him  enter,  he  determined  that  he  would  not.  He 
would  take  his  gold  and  leave  the  door  locked  and  the 
key  under  it,  as  he  found  it  before  her  death  was  dis- 
covered :  it  would  be  supposed  that  she  died  a  natural 
death,  for  the  state  of  the  body  would  render  it  impossible 
to  prove  the  contrary.  But  there  was  one  act  necessary 
to  be  performed  at  which  Vanslyperken's  heart  recoiled. 
The  key  of  the  oak  chest  was  about  his  mother's  person 


The  Dog  Fiend  343 

and  he  must  obtain  it,  he  must  search  for  it  in  corruption 
and  death,  amongst  creeping  worms  and  noisome  stench. 
It  was  half  an  hour  before  he  could  make  up  his  mind 
to  the  task  !  but  what  will  avarice  not  accomplish ! 

He  covered  up  the  face,  and  with  a  trembling  hand 
turned  over  the  bedclothes.  But  we  must  not  disgust 
our  readers,  it  will  suffice  to  say,  that  the  key  was  ob- 
tained, and  the  chest  opened. 

Vanslyperken  found  all  his  own  gold,  and  much  more 
than  he  had  ever  expected  belonging  to  his  mother. 
There  were  other  articles  belonging  to  him,  but  he 
thought  it  prudent  not  to  touch  them.  He  loaded  him- 
self with  the  treasure,  and  when  he  felt  that  it  was  all 
secure,  for  he  was  obliged  to  divide  it  in  different  parcels 
and  stow  it  in  various  manners  about  his  person,  he  re- 
locked  the  chest,  placed  the  key  in  the  cupboard,  and 
quitting  the  room  made  fast  the  door,  and  like  a  dutiful 
son,  left  the  remains  of  his  mother  to  be  inhumed  at  the 
expense  of  the  parish. 

As  he  left  the  house  without  being  observed,  and 
gained  the  town  of  Portsmouth,  never  was  Mr  Vansly- 
perken's  body  so  heavily  loaded,  or  his  heart  lighter. 
He  had  got  rid  of  Smallbones  and  of  his  mother,  both 
in  a  way  perfectly  satisfactory  to  himself. 

He  had  recovered  his  own  gold,  and  had  also  been 
enriched  beyond  his  hopes  by  his  mother's  savings.  He 
felt  not  the  weight  which  he  carried  about  his  person, 
he  wished  it  had  been  heavier.  All  he  felt  was,  very 
anxious  to  be  on  board  and  have  his  property  secured. 
His  boat  waited  for  him,  and  one  of  the  men  informed 
him  his  presence  was  required  at  the  admiral's  immediately ; 
but  Mr  Vanslyperken  first  went  on  board,  and  having 
safely  locked  up  all  his  treasures,  then  complied  with 
the  admiral's  wishes.  They  were  to  sail  immediately, 
for  the  intelligence  of  the  Duke  of  Gloucester's  death 
had  just  arrived  with  the  despatches,  announcing  the 
same  to  be  taken  to  King  William,  who  was  still  at  the 
Hague.     Vanslyperken  sent  the  boat  on  board  with  orders 


344  Snarleyyow;  or, 

to  Short,  to  heave  short  and  loose  sails,  and  then  hastened 
up  to  the  house  of  Lazarus,  the  Jew,  aware  that  the 
cutter  would,  in  all  probability,  be  despatched  immediately 
to  the  Hague.  The  Jew  had  the  letters  for  Ramsay  all 
prepared.  Vanslyperken  once  more  touched  his  liberal 
fee,  and,  in  an  hour,  he  was  again  under  way  for  the 
Texel. 

During  the  passage,  which  was  very  quick,  Mr  Vansly- 
perken amused  himself  as  usual,  in  copying  the  letters  to 
Ramsay,  which  contained  the  most  important  intelligence 
of  the  projects  of  the  Jacobites,  and,  from  the  various 
communications  between  Ramsay  and  the  conspirators, 
Vanslyperken  had  also  been  made  acquainted  with  the 
circumstance  hitherto  unknown  to  him,  of  the  existence 
of  the  caves  above  the  cove,  where  he  had  been  taken 
to  by  the  informer,  as  mentioned  in  the  early  part  of 
this  work,  and  also  of  the  names  of  the  parties  who 
visited  it. 

Of  this  intelligence  Vanslyperken  determined  to  avail 
himself  by-and-bye.  It  was  evident  that  there  were  only 
women  in  the  cave,  and  Mr  Vanslyperken  counted  his 
gold,  patted  the  head  of  Snarleyyow,  and  indulged  in 
anticipations  of  further  wealth,  and  the  hand  of  the 
widow  Vandersloosh. 

All  dreams  !  Mr  Vanslyperken. 

The  cutter  arrived,  and  he  landed  with  his  despatches 
for  the  government ;  and  his  letters  to  Ramsay  being  all 
delivered,  Vanslyperken  hastened  to  the  widow's,  who, 
as  usual,  received  him,  all  smiles.  He  now  confided  to 
her  the  death  of  his  mother,  and  astonished  her  by  re- 
presenting the  amount  of  his  wealth,  which  he  had  the 
precaution  to  state,  that  the  major  part  of  it  was  left 
him  by  his  mother. 

"  Where  have  you  put  it  all,  Mr  Vanslyperken  ? " 
inquired  the  widow.  And  Vanslyperken  replied  that  he 
had  come  to  ask  her  advice  on  the  subject,  as  it  was  at 
present  all  on  board  of  the  cutter.  The  widow,  who 
was  not  indifferent  to   money,  was  more   gracious  than 


The  Dog  Fiend  345 

ever.  She  had  a  scheme  in  her  head  of  persuading  him 
to  leave  the  money  under  her  charge ;  but  Vanslyperken 
was  anxious  to  go  on  board  again,  for  he  discovered  that 
the  key  was  not  in  his  pocket,  and  he  was  fearful  that 
he  might  have  left  it  on  the  cabin  table  ;  so  he  quitted 
rather  abruptly,  and  the  widow  had  not  time  to  bring 
the  battery  to  bear.  As  soon  as  Mr  Vanslyperken  arrived 
on  board,  Corporal  Van  Spitter,  without  asking  leave, 
for  he  felt  it  was  not  necessary,  went  on  shore,  and  was 
soon  in  the  arms  of  his  enamoured  widow  Vandersloosh. 
In  the  meantime,  Mr  Vanslyperken  discovered  the  key 
in  the  pocket  of  the  waistcoat  he  had  thrown  off,  and 
having  locked  his  door,  he  again  opened  his  drawer,  and 
delighted  himself  for  an  hour  or  two  in  re-arranging  his 
treasure ;  after  which,  feeling  himself  in  want  of  occupa- 
tion, it  occurred  to  him,  that  he  might  as  well  dedicate 
a  little  more  time  to  the  widow,  so  he  manned  his  boat 
and  went  on  shore  again. 

It  is  all  very  well  to  have  a  morning  and  afternoon 
lover  if  ladies  are  so  inclined,  just  as  they  have  a  morning 
and  afternoon  dress,  but  they  should  be  worn  separately. 
Now,  as  it  never  entered  the  head  of  Mr  Vanslyperken 
that  the  corporal  was  playing  him  false,  so  did  it  never 
enter  the  idea  of  the  widow,  that  Mr  Vanslyperken  would 
make  his  appearance  in  the  evening,  and  leave  the  cutter 
and  Snarleyyow,  without  the  corporal  being  on  board 
to  watch  over  them. 

But  Mr  Vanslyperken  did  leave  the  cutter  and  Snarley- 
yow, did  come  on  shore,  did  walk  to  the  widow's  house, 
and  did  most  unexpectedly  enter  it,  and  what  was  the 
consequence  ? — that  he  was  not  perceived  when  he  entered 
it,  and  the  door  of  the  parlour  as  well  as  the  front  door 
being  open  to  admit  the  air,  for  the  widow  and  the  corporal 
found  that  making  love  in  the  dog  days  was  rather  warm 
work  for  people  of  their  calibre — to  his  mortification  and 
rage  the  lieutenant  beheld  the  corporal  seated  in  his  berth, 
on  the  little  fubsy  sofa,  with  one  arm  round  the  widow's 
waist,  his   other  hand  joined   in   hers,  and,  proh  pudorl 


34^  Snarleyyow;  or, 

sucking  at  her  dewy  lips  like  some  huge  carp  under  the 
water-lilies  on  a  midsummer's  afternoon. 

Mr  Vanslyperken  was  transfixed — the  parties  were  too 
busy  with  their  amorous  interchange  to  perceive  his  pre- 
sence ;  at  last  the  corporal  thought  that  his  lips  required 
moistening  with  a  littJe  of  the  beer  of  the  widow's  own 
brewing,  for  the  honey  of  her  lips  had  rather  glued  them 
together — he  turned  towards  the  table  to  take  up  his 
tumbler,  and  he  beheld  Mr  Vanslyperken. 

The  corporal,  for  a  moment,  was  equally  transfixed,  but 
on  these  occasions  people  act  mechanically  because  they 
don't  know  what  to  do.  The  corporal  had  been  well 
drilled,  he  rose  from  the  sofa,  held  himself  perfectly 
upright,  and  raised  the  back  of  his  right  hand  to  his  fore- 
head, there  he  stood  like  a  statue  saluting  at  the  presence 
of  his  superior  officer. 

The  widow  had  also  perceived  the  presence  of  Vansly- 
perken almost  as  soon  as  the  corporal,  but  a  woman's  wits 
are  more  at  their  command  on  these  occasions  than  a  man's. 
She  felt  that  all  concealment  was  now  useless,  and  she 
prepared  for  action.  At  the  same  time,  although  ready 
to  discharge  a  volley  of  abuse  upon  Vanslyperken,  she 
paused,  to  ascertain  how  she  should  proceed.  Assuming 
an  indifferent  air,  she  said — "  Well,  Mr  Vanslyperken  ? " 

"  Well !  "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken,  but  he  could  not 
speak  for  passion. 

**  Eaves-dropping,  as  usual,  Mr  Vanslyperken  ? " 

*'  May  the  roof  of  this  house  drop  on  you,  you 
infernal ." 

"  No  indelicate  language,  if  you  please,  sir,"  interrupted 
the  widow,  *'  I  won't  put  up  with  it  in  my  house,  I  can  tell 
you — ho,  ho,  Mr  Vanslyperken,"  continued  the  widow, 
working  herself  into  a  rage,  "that  won't  do  here,  Mr 
Vanslyperken." 

"  Why,  you  audacious — you  double-faced " 

"  Double-faced  ! — it's  a  pity  you  wer'n't  double-faced, 
as  you  call  it,  with  that  snivelling  nose  and  crooked  chin 
of    yours.     Double-faced,    heh ! — oh !    oh !    Mr   Vansly- 


The  Dog  Fiend  347 

perken — we  shall  see — wait  a  little — we  shall  see  who's 
double-faced.  Yes,  yes,  Mr  Vanslyperken — that  for  you, 
Mr  Vanslyperken — I  can  hang  you  when  I  please,  Mr 
Vanslyperken.  Corporal,  how  many  guineas  did  you  see 
counted  out  to  him  at  the  house  opposite  ?  " 

During  all  this  the  corporal  remained  fixed  and  im- 
movable with  his  hand  up  to  the  salute  ;  but  on  being 
questioned  by  his  mistress,  he  replied,  remaining  in  the 
same  respectful  attitude. 

"  Fifty  golden  guineas.  Mistress  Vandersloosh." 

**  A  lie  !  an  infamous  lie  !  "  cried  Vanslyperken,  draw- 
ing his  sword.  "  Traitor,  that  you  are,"  continued  he  to 
the  corporal,  *'  take  your  reward."  This  was  a  very 
critical  moment.  The  corporal  did  not  attempt  the  defen- 
sive, but  remained  in  the  same  attitude,  and  Vanslyperken's 
rage  at  the  falsehood  of  the  widow,  and  the  discovery  of 
his  treason  was  so  great,  that  he  had  lost  all  command  of 
himself.  Had  not  a  third  party  come  in  just  as  Vansly- 
perken drew  his  sword,  it  might  have  gone  hard  with  the 
corporal ;  but  fortunately  Babette  came  in  from  the  yard, 
and  perceiving  the  sword  fly  out  of  the  scabbard,  she  put 
her  hand  behind  the  door,  and  snatched  two  long-handled 
brooms,  one  of  which  she  put  into  the  hands  of  her 
mistress,  and  retained  the  other  herself. 

"  Take  your  reward !  "  cried  Vanslyperken,  running 
furiously  to  cut  down  the  corporal.  But  his  career  was 
stopped  by  the  two  brooms,  one  of  which  took  him  in  the 
face,  and  the  other  in  the  chest.  The  widow  and  Babette 
now  ranged  side  by  side,  holding  their  brooms  as  soldiers 
do  their  arms  in  charge  of  bayonets. 

How  did  the  corporal  act  ?  He  retained  his  former 
respectful  position,  leaving  the  defensive  or  offensive  in  the 
hands  of  the  widow  and  Babette. 

This  check  on  the  part  of  Vanslyperken  only  added  to 
his  rage.  Again  he  flew  with  his  sword  at  the  corporal, 
and  again  he  was  met  with  the  besoms  in  his  face.  He 
caught  one  with  his  hand,  and  he  was  knocked  back  with 
the  other.  He  attempted  to  cut  them  in  two  with  his 
sword,  but  in  vain. 


348  Snarleyyow;  or, 

**  Out  of  my  house,  you  villain  ! — you  traitor — out  of  my 
house,"  cried  the  widow,  pushing  at  him  with  such  force 
as  to  drive  him  against  the  wall,  and  pinning  him  there 
while  Babette  charged  him  in  his  face  which  was  now 
streaming  with  blood.  The  attack  was  now  followed  up 
with  such  vigour,  that  Vanslyperken  was  first  obliged  to 
retreat  to  the  door,  then  out  of  the  door  into  the  street, 
followed  into  the  street  he  took  to  his  heels,  and  the 
widow  and  Babette  returned  victorious  into  the  parlour  to 
the  corporal.  Mr  Vanslyperken  could  not  accuse  him  of 
want  of  respect  to  his  superior  officer  ;  he  had  saluted  him 
on  entering,  and  he  was  still  saluting  him  when  he  made 
his  exit. 

The  widow  threw  herself  on  the  sofa—- Corporal  Van 
Spitter  then  took  his  seat  beside  her.  The  widow  over- 
come by  her  rage  and  exertion,  burst  into  tears  and  sobbed 
in  his  arms. 

The  corporal  poured  out  a  glass  of  beer,  and  persuaded 
her  to  drink  it. 

"  Fll  have  him  hanged  to-morrow,  at  all  events.  Fll  go 
to  the  Hague  myself,"  cried  the  widow.  "  Yes,  yes,  Mr 
Vanslyperken,  we  shall  see  who  will  gain  the  day," 
continued  the  widow,  sobbing. 

**  You  can  prove  it,  corporal  ?  " 

"  Mein  Gott,  yes,"  replied  the  corporal. 

*'  As  soon  as  he's  hung,  corporal,  we'll  marry." 

''  Mein  Gott,  yes." 

"Traitorous  villain! — sell  his  king  and  his  country  for 
gold!" 

"  Mein  Gott,  yes." 

"  You're  sure  it  was  fifty  guineas,  corporal  ?  " 

"Mein  Gott,  yes." 

"  Ah,  well,  Mr  Vanslyperken,  we  shall  see,"  said  the 
widow,  drying  her  eyes.  *'  Yes,  yes,  Mr  Vanslyperken, 
you  shall  be  hanged,  and  your  cur  with  you,  or  my  name's 
not  Vandersloosh." 

"  Mein  Gott,  yes,"  replied  the  corporal. 


The  Dog  Fiend  349 


Chapter  XLV 

In  which   Mr  Vanslyperken  proves   his  loyalty  and  his  fidelity  to  King 

William. 

Mr  Vanslyperken  hastened  from  his  inglorious  conflict, 
maddened  with  rage  and  disappointment.  He  returned  on 
board,  went  down  into  his  cabin,  and  threw  himself  on  his 
bed.  His  hopes  and  calculations  had  been  so  brilliant — rid 
of  his  enemy  Smallbones — with  gold  in  possession,  and 
more  in  prospect,  to  be  so  cruelly  deceived  by  the  widow 
— the  cockatrice  !  Then  by  one  to  whom  he  fully  confided, 
and  who  knew  too  many  of  his  secrets  already — Corporal 
Van  Spitter — he  too  ! — and  to  dare  to  aspire  to  the  widow 
— it  was  madness — and  then  their  knowledge  of  his  treason 
— the  corporal  having  witnessed  his  receiving  the  gold — 
with  such  bitter  enemies  what  could  he  expect  but  a  halter 
— he  felt  it  even  now  round  his  neck,  and  Vanslyperken 
groaned  in  the  bitterness  of  his  spirit. 

In  the  meantime,  there  was  a  consultation  between  the 
widow  and  the  corporal  as  to  the  best  method  of  proceed- 
ing That  the  corporal  could  expect  nothing  but  the  most 
determined  hostility  from  Vanslyperken  was  certain ;  but 
for  this  the  corporal  cared  little,  as  he  had  all  the  crew  of 
the  cutter  on  his  side,  and  he  was  in  his  own  person  too 
high  in  rank  to  be  at  the  mercy  of  Vanslyperken. 

After  many  pros  and  cons,  and  at  least  a  dozen  bottles 
of  beer — for  the  excitement  on  the  part  of  the  corporal, 
and  the  exertion  of  the  widow,  had  made  them  both  dry — 
it  was  resolved  that  the  Frau  Vandersloosh  should  demand 
an  audience  at  the  Hague  the  next  morning,  and  should 
communicate  the  treasonable  practices  of  Mr  Vanslyperken, 
calling  upon  the  corporal  as  a  witness  to  the  receipt  of  the 
money  from  the  Jesuit. 

"  Mein  Gott !  exclaimed  the  corporal,  striking  his  bull 
forehead  as  if  a  new  thought  had  required  being  forced 


350  Snarleyyow;  or, 

out,  "  but  they  will  ask  me  how  I  came  there  myself,  and 
what  shall  I  say  ?  " 

"  Say  that  the  Jesuit  father  had  sent  for  you  to  try  and 
seduce  you  to  do  his  treason,  but  that  you  would  not 
consent." 

"  Mein  Gott,  yes — that  will  do." 

The  corporal  then  returned  on  board,  but  did  not  think 
it  worth  while  to  report  himself  to  Mr  Vanslyperken. 

Mr  Vanslyperken  had  also  been  thinking  over  the 
matter,  and  in  what  way  he  should  be  able  to  escape  from 
the  toils  prepared  for  him.  That  the  widow  would 
immediately  inform  the  authorities  he  was  convinced.  How 
was  he  to  get  out  of  his  scrape  ? 

Upon  mature  reflection,  he  decided  that  it  was  to  be 
done.  He  had  copies  of  all  Ramsay's  letters,  and  those 
addressed  to  Ramsay,  and  the  last  delivered  were  very 
important.  Now,  his  best  plan  would  be  to  set  off  for  the 
Hague  early  the  next  morning — demand  an  interview  with 
one  of  the  ministers,  or  even  his  Majesty  himself — state  that 
he  had  been  offered  money  from  the  Jacobite  party  to  carry 
their  letters,  and  that,  with  a  view  to  serve  his  Majesty  by 
finding  out  their  secrets,  he  had  consented  to  do  it,  and  had 
taken  the  money  to  satisfy  them  that  he  was  sincere.  That 
he  had  opened  the  letters  and  copied  them,  and  that  now 
as  the  contents  were  important,  he  had  thought  it  right  to 
make  them  immediately  known  to  the  government,  and  at 
the  same  time  to  bring  the  money  received  for  the  service, 
to  be  placed  at  his  Majesty's  disposal. 

"  Whether  she  is  before  or  after  me,"  thought  Vansly- 
perken, "it  will  then  be  little  matter,  all  I  shall  have  to 
fear  will  be  from  Ramsay  and  his  party,  but  the  govern- 
ment will  be  bound  to  protect  me." 

There  certainly  was  much  wisdom  in  this  plan  of  Van- 
slyperken, it  was  the  only  one  which  could  have  been 
attended  with  success,  or  with  any  chance  of  it. 

Mr  Vanslyperken  was  up  at  daylight,  and  dressed  in  his 
best  uniform  •,  he  put  in  his  pocket  all  the  copies  of  the 
Jacobite   correspondence,    and    went   on   shore — hired   a 


The  Dog  Fiend  351 

calash,  for  he  did  not  know  how  to  ride,  and  set  off  for 
the  Hague,  where  he  arrived  about  ten  o'clock.  He  sent 
up  his  name,  and  requested  an  audience  with  the  Duke  of 
Portland,  as  an  officer  commanding  one  of  his  Majesty's 
vessels  :  he  was  immediately  admitted, 

"  What  is  your  pleasure,  Mr  Vanslyperken  ?  "  said  the 
duke,  who  was  standing  at  the  table,  in  company  with  Lord 
Albemarle. 

Vanslyperken  was  a  little  confused — he  muttered,  and 
stammered  about  anxiety,  and  loyalty,  and  fidelity,  and 
excess  of  zeal,  &c. — 

No  wonder  he  stammered,  for  he  was  talking  of  what  he 
knew  nothing  about- — but  these  two  noblemen  recollecting 
his  confusion  when  presented  to  his  sovereign  on  board  of 
the  frigate,  made  allowances. 

"  I  have  at  last,"  cried  Vanslyperken,  with  more  confid- 
ence, "  been  able  to  discover  the  plots  of  the  Jacobites, 
your  grace." 

"  Indeed  !  Mr  Vanslyperken,"  replied  the  duke,  smiling 
incredulously,  **  and  pray  what  may  they  be  ?  you  must  be 
as  expeditious  as  possible,  for  his  Majesty  is  waiting  for 
us." 

"  These  letters  will  take  some  time  to  read,"  replied 
Vanslyperken  ;  **  but  their  contents  are  most  important." 

"  Indeed,  letters — how  have  you  possession  of  their 
letters  ? " 

"  It  will  be  rather  a  long  story,  sir — my  lord  !  I  mean," 
replied  Vanslyperken ;  "  but  they  will  amply  repay  an 
hour  of  your  time,  if  you  can  spare  it." 

At  this  moment,  the  door  opened  and  his  Majesty 
entered  the  room.  At  the  sight  of  the  king,  Vansly- 
perken's  confidence  was  again  taking  French  leave. 

"  My  lords,  I  am  waiting  for  you,"  said  the  king,  with 
a  little  asperity  of  manner. 

"  May  it  please  your  Majesty,  here  is  Lieutenant  Van- 
slyperken, commanding  one  of  your  Majesty's  vessels,  who 
states  that  he  has  important  intelligence,  and  that  he  has 
possession  of  Jacobite  papers." 


352  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"  Indeed ! "  replied  King  William,  who  was  always 
alive  to  Jacobite  plotting,  from  which  he  had  already  run  so 
much  risk. 

**  What  is  it,  Mr  Vanslyperken  ?  speak  boldly  what  you 
have  to  communicate." 

**  Your  Majesty,  I  beg  your  gracious  pardon,  but  here 
are  copies  of  the  correspondence  carried  on  by  the  traitors 
in  England  and  this  country.  If  your  Majesty  will  deign 
to  have  it  read,  you  will  then  perceive  how  important  it  is 
— after  your  Majesty  has  read  it,  I  will  have  the  honour 
to  explain  to  you  by  what  means  it  came  into  my  posses- 
sion." 

King  William  was  a  man  of  business,  and  Vanslyperken 
had  done  wisely  in  making  this  proposal.  His  Majesty  at 
once  sat  down,  with  the  Duke  of  Portland  on  the  one  side 
and  Lord  Albemarle  on  the  other :  the  latter  took  the 
letters  which  were  arranged  according  to  their  dates,  and 
read  them  in  a  clear  distinct  voice. 

As  the  reading  went  on,  his  Majesty  made  memorandums 
and  notes  with  his  pencil  on  a  sheet  of  paper,  but  did  not 
interrupt  during  the  whole  progress  of  the  lecture.  When 
the  last  and  most  important  was  finished,  the  two  noble- 
men looked  at  his  Majesty  with  countenances  full  of 
meaning.  For  a  few  moments  his  Majesty  drummed  with 
the  second  and  third  finger  of  his  left  hand  upon  the  table, 
and  then  said — 

"Pray,  Mr  Vanslyperken,  how  did  you  obtain  posses- 
sion of  these  papers  and  letters,  or  make  copies  of  these 
letters  ?  " 

Vanslyperken,  who  had  been  standing  at  the  other  side 
of  the  table  during  the  time  of  the  reading,  had  anxiously 
watched  the  countenance  of  his  Majesty  and  the  two 
noblemen,  and  perceived  that  the  intelligence  which  the 
letters  contained,  had  created  a  strong  feeling,  as  he 
expected.  With  a  certain  degree  of  confidence,  he 
commenced  his  explanation. 

He  stated  that  the  crew  of  the  cutter  had  been  accus- 
tomed to  frequent   the  Lust   Haus   of  a   certain   widow 


The  Dog  Fiend  ^^^ 

Vandersloosh,  and  that  he  had  made  her  acquaintance,  by 
several  times  going  there  to  look  after  his  seamen. 

That  this  widow  had  often  hinted  to  him,  and  at  last 
proposed  to  him,  that  he  should  take  letters  for  some 
friends  of  hers — at  last  she  had  told  him  plainly  that  it 
was  for  the  Jacobite  party,  and  he  pretended  to  consent. 

That  he  had  been  taken  by  her  to  the  house  of  a  Jesuit, 
169,  in  the  Bur  street,  nearly  opposite  to  her  Lust  Haus, 
and  that  the  Jesuit  had  given  him  some  letters  and  fifty 
guineas  for  his  trouble. 

He  then  stated,  that  he  had  opened,  copied,  and  resealed 
them ;  further,  that  he  had  brought  over  one  of  the 
confederates,  who  was  now  residing  in  the  house  of  the 
syndic,  Van  Krause.  That  he  should  have  made  all  this 
known  before,  only  that  he  waited  till  it  was  more 
important.  That  the  last  letters  appeared  of  such  conse- 
quence, that  he  deemed  it  his  duty  no  longer  to  delay. 

"  You  have  done  well,  Mr  Vanslyperken,"  replied  his 
Majesty. 

**  And  played  a  bold  game,"  observed  Lord  Albemarle, 
fixing  his  eyes  upon  Vanslyperken.  "  Suppose  you  had 
been  found  out  co-operating  with  traitors,  before  you 
made  this  discovery  !  " 

"  I  might  have  forfeited  my  life  in  my  zeal,"  replied  Mr 
Vanslyperken,  with  adroitness  -,  "  but  that  is  the  duty  of  a 
king's  officer." 

''  That  is  well  said,"  observed  the  Duke  of  Portland. 

"I  have  a  few  questions  to  put  to  you,  Mr  Vansly- 
perken," observed  his  Majesty. 

"  What  is  the  cave  they  mention  so  often  ? " 

"  It  is  on  the  bank  of  the  Isle  of  Wight,  your  Majesty.  I 
did  not  know  of  its  existence,  but  from  the  letters — but  I 
once  laid  a  whole  night  in  the  cove  underneath  it,  to  inter- 
cept the  smugglers,  upon  information  that  I  had  received, 
but  the  alarm  was  given,  and  they  escaped." 

'*  Who  is  their  agent  at  Portsmouth  ?  " 

"  A  Jew  of  the  name  of  Lazarus,  residing  in  little 
Orange  Street,  at  the  back  of  the  Point,  your  Majesty  !  " 


354  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"Do  you  know  of  any  of  the  names  of  the  conspira- 
tors ? " 

"  I  do  not,  your  Majesty,  except  a  woman,  who  is  very 
active,  one  Moggy  Salisbury — her  husband  not  a  month 
back,  was  the  boatswain  of  the  cutter,  but  by  some  interest 
or  another,  he  has  obtained  his  discharge." 

"  My  Lord  of  Portland,  take  a  memorandum  to  inquire 
who  it  was  applied  for  the  discharge  of  that  man.  Mr 
Vanslyperken  you  may  retire — we  will  call  you  in  by-and- 
bye — you  will  be  secret  as  to  what  has  passed." 

"I  have  one  more  duty  to  perform,"  replied  Vansly- 
perken, taking  some  rouleaus  of  gold  out  of  his  pocket-, 
"  this  is  the  money  received  from  the  traitors — it  is  not 
for  a  king's  officer  to  have  it  in  his  possession." 

"  You  are  right,  Mr  Vanslyperken,  but  the  gold  of 
traitors  is  forfeited  to  the  crown,  and  it  is  now  mine,  you 
will  accept  it  as  a  present  from  your  king." 

Mr  Vanslyperken  took  the  gold  from  the  table,  made 
a  bow,  and  retired  from  the  royal  presence. 

The  reader  will  acknowledge  that  it  was  impossible  to 
play  his  cards  better  than  Mr  Vanslyperken  had  done  in 
this  interview,  and  that  he  deserved  great  credit  for  his 
astute  conduct.  With  such  diplomatic  talents,  he  would 
have  made  a  great  prime  minister. 

"  The  council  was  ordered  at  twelve  o'clock,  my  lords. 
These  letters  must  be  produced.  That  they  are  genuine 
appears  to  me  beyond  a  doubt." 

"  That  they  are  faithful  copies,  I  doubt  not,"  replied 
Lord  Albemarle,  "  but " 

"  But  what,  my  Lord  Albemarle  ?  " 

"  I  very  much  suspect  the  fidelity  of  the  copier — there 
is  something  more  that  has  not  been  told,  depend  upon  it." 

"  Why  do  you  think  so,  my  lord  ? " 

"  Because,  your  Majesty,  allowing  that  a  man  would  act 
the  part  that  Mr  Vanslyperken  says  that  he  has  done  to 
discover  the  conspiracy,  still,  would  he  not  naturally,  to 
avoid  any  risk  to  himself,  have  furnished  government  with 
the  first  correspondence,  and  obtained  their  sanction   for 


The  Dog  Fiend  ;^S5 

prosecuting  his  plans  ?  This  officer  has  been  employed 
for  the  last  two  years  or  more  in  carrying  the  despatches 
to  the  Hague,  and  it  must  at  once  strike  your  Majesty,  that 
a  person  who  can,  with  such  dexterity,  open  the  letters  of 
others  can  also  open  those  of  his  own  government." 

**  That  is  true,  my  lord,"  replied  his  Majesty,  musing. 

"  Your  Majesty  is  well  aware  that  suspicions  were 
entertained  of  the  fidelity  of  the  syndic,  suspicions  which 
the  evidence  of  this  officer  have  verified.  But  why  were 
these  suspicions  raised  ?  Because  he  knew  of  the  govern- 
ment secrets,  and  it  was  supposed  he  obtained  them  from 
some  one  who  is  in  our  trust,  but  inimical  to  us  and  un- 
worthy of  the  confidence  reposed  in  him. 

"  Your  Majesty's  acuteness  will  at  once  perceive  that  the 
secrets  may  have  been  obtained  by  Mynheer  Krause,  by 
the  same  means  as  have  been  resorted  to,  to  obtain  the 
secrets  of  the  conspirators.  I  may  be  in  error,  and  if  I  do 
this  officer  wrong  by  my  suspicions,  may  God  forgive  me, 
but  there  is  something  in  his  looks  which  tells  me " 

"  What,  my  lord  ?  " 

"That  he  is  a  traitor  to  both  parties.  May  it  please 
your  Majesty." 

"  By  the  Lord,  Albermarle,  I  think  you  have  hit  upon 
the  truth,"  replied  the  Duke  of  Portland. 

"  Of  that  we  shall  soon  have  proof — at  present,  we  have 
to  decide  whether  it  be  advisable  to  employ  him  to  discover 
more,  or  at  once  to  seize  upon  the  parties  he  has  de- 
nounced. But  that  had  better  be  canvassed  in  the  council- 
chamber.     Come,  my  lords,  they  be  waiting  for  us." 

The  affair  was  of  too  great  importance  not  to  absorb  all 
other  business,  and  it  was  decided  that  the  house  of 
Mynheer  Krause,  and  of  the  Jesuit,  and  the  widow 
Vandersloosh  should  be  entered  by  the  peace-officers,  at 
midnight,  and  that  they  and  any  of  the  conspirators  who 
might  be  found  should  be  thrown  into  prison.  That  the 
cutter  should  be  despatched  immediately  to  England,  with 
orders  to  seize  all  the  other  parties  informed  against  by 
Vanslyperken,  and  that  a  force  should  be  sent  to  attack  the 


35^  Snarl eyyow;  or, 

cave,  and  secure  those  who  might  be  found  there,  with 
directions  to  the  admiral,  that  Mr  Vanslyperken  should  be 
employed  both  as  a  guide,  and  to  give  the  assistance  of 
the  cutter  and  his  crew. 

These  arrangements  having  been  made,  the  council 
broke  up,  King  William  had  a  conference  with  his  two 
favourites,  and  Vanslyperken  was  sent  for. 

"  Lieutenant  Vanslyperken,  we  feel  much  indebted  to 
you  for  your  important  communications,  and  we  shall  not 
forget,  in  due  time,  to  reward  your  zeal  and  loyalty  as  it 
deserves.  At  present,  it  is  necessary  that  you  sail  for 
England  as  soon  as  our  despatches  are  ready,  which  will 
be  before  midnight ;  you  will  then  receive  your  orders 
from  the  admiral,  at  Portsmouth,  and  I  have  no  doubt  you 
will  take  the  opportunity  of  affording  us  fresh  proofs  of 
your  fidelity  and  attachment." 

Mr  Vanslyperken  bowed  humbly  and  retired,  delighted 
with  the  successful  result  of  his  manoeuvre,  and,  with  a 
gay  heart  he  leaped  into  his  calash,  and  drove  off. 

"  Yes,  yes,"  thought  he,  "  Madam  Vandersloosh,  you 
would  betray  me.  We  shall  see.  Yes,  yes,  we  shall  see. 
Madam  Vandersloosh." 

And  sure  enough  he  did  see  Madam  Vandersloosh,  who 
in  another  calash  was  driving  to  the  palace,  and  who  met 
him  face  to  face. 

Vanslyperken  turned  up  his  nose  at  her  as  he  passed  by,, 
and  the  widow  astonished  at  his  presumption,  thought  as 
she  went  on  her  way,  **  Well,  well,  Mr  Vanslyperken,  we 
shall  see,  you  may  turn  up  your  snivelling  nose,  but  stop 
till  your  head's  in  the  halter — yes,  Mr  Vanslyperken,  stop 
till  your  head's  in  the  halter." 

We  must  leave  Mr  Vanslyperken  to  drive,  and  the 
widow  Vandersloosh  to  drive,  while  we  drive  on  our- 
selves. 

The  subsequent  events  of  this  eventful  day  we  will 
narrate  in  the  following  chapter. 


The  Dog  Fiend  357 

Chapter  XLVI 

In  which  there  is  much  bustle  and  confusion,  plot  and  counter-plot. 

About  two  hours  after  the  council  had  broken  up,  the 
following  communication  was  delivered  into  the  hands  of 
Ramsay  by  an  old  woman,  who  immediately  took  her 
departure. 

**The  lieutenant  of  the  cutter  has  taken  copies  of  all 
your  correspondence  and  betrayed  you.  You  must  fly 
immediately,  as  at  midnight  you  and  all  of  you  will  be 
seized.  In  justice  to  Mynheer  Krause,  leave  documents 
to  clear  him. 

"  The  cutter  will  sail  this  evening — with  orders  to 
secure  your  friends  at  Portsmouth  and  the  cave." 

"Now,  by  the  holy  cross  of  our  Saviour  !  I  will  have 
revenge  upon  that  dastard  ;  there  is  no  time  to  lose  ;  five 
minutes  for  reflection,  and  then  to  act,"  thought  Ramsay, 
as  he  twisted  up  this  timely  notice,  which,  it  must  be 
evident  to  the  reader,  must  have  been  sent  by  one  who  had 
been  summoned  to  the  council.  Ramsay's  plans  were 
soon  formed,  he  despatched  a  trusty  messenger  to  the 
Jesuit's,  desiring  him  to  communicate  immediately  with 
the  others,  and  upon  what  plan  to  proceed.  He  then 
wrote  a  note  to  Vanslyperken,  requesting  his  immediate 
presence,  and  hastened  to  the  morning  apartment  of 
Wilhelmina.  In  a  few  words,  he  told  her  that  he  had 
received  timely  notice  that  it  was  the  intention  of  the 
government  to  seize  her  father  and  him  as  suspected 
traitors,  and  throw  them  that  very  night  in  prison. 

Wilhelmina  made  no  reply. 

**  For  your  father,  my  dearest  girl,  there  is  no  fear  :  he 
will  be  fully  acquitted  ;  but  I,  Wilhelmina,  must  depart 
immediately,  or  my  life  is  forfeited." 

**  Leave  me,  Edward  ?  "  replied  Wilhelmina. 

"  No,  you  must  go  with  me,  Wilhelmina,  for  more  than 
one  reason  ;  the  government  have  ordered  the  seizure  of 


2S^  Snarleyyow;  or, 

the  persons  to  be  made  in  the  night,  to  avoid  a  disturb- 
ance •,  but  that  they  will  not  be  able  to  prevent ;  the  mob 
are  but  too  happy  to  prove  their  loyalty,  when  they  can 
do  so  by  rapine  and  plunder,  and  depend  upon  it  that  this 
house  will  be  sacked  and  levelled  to  the  ground  before 
to-morrow  evening.  You  cannot  go  to  prison  with  your 
father ;  you  cannot  remain  here,  to  be  at  the  mercy  of  an 
infuriated  and  lawless  mob.  You  must  go  with  me, 
Wilhelmina ;  trust  to  me,  not  only  for  my  sake,  but  for 
your  father's." 

"  My  father's,  Edward,  it  is  that  only  I  am  thinking  of ; 
how  can  I  leave  my  father  at  such  a  time  ? " 

"You  will  save  your  father  by  so  doing.  Your 
departure  with  me  will  substantiate  his  innocence  j  decide, 
my  dearest  girl ;  decide  at  once  ;  you  must  either  fly  with 
me,  or  we  must  part  for  ever." 

"  Oh  no,  that  must  not  be,  Edward,"  cried  Wilhelmina, 
bursting  into  tears. 

After  some  further  persuasions  on  the  part  of  Ramsay, 
and  fresh  tears  from  the  attached  maiden,  it  was  agreed 
that  she  should  act  upon  his  suggestions,  and  with  a 
throbbing  heart,  she  went  to  her  chamber  to  make  the 
necessary  preparations,  while  Ramsay  requested  that 
Mynheer  Krause  would  give  him  a  few  minutes  of  his 
company  in  his  room  above. 

The  syndic  soon  made  his  appearance  ;  "  Well,  Mynheer 
Ramsay,  you  have  some  news  to  tell  me,  I  am  sure  ; "  for 
Mynheer  Krause,  notwithstanding  his  rebuff  from  the 
king,  could  not  divest  himself  of  his  failing  of  fetching  and 
carrying  reports.  Ramsay  went  to  the  door  and  turned 
the  key. 

"  I  have,  indeed,  most  important  news,  Mynheer 
Krause,  and,  I  am  sorry  to  say,  very  unpleasant  also." 

**  Indeed,"  replied  the  syndic,  with  alarm. 

"  Yes ;  I  find  from  a  notice  given  me  by  one  of  his 
Majesty's  council,  assembled  this  morning  at  the  Hague, 
that  you  are  suspected  of  treasonable  practices." 

"  God  in  heaven  !  "  exclaimed  the  syndic. 


The  Dog  Fiend  359 

"  And  that  this  very  night  you  are  to  be  seized  and 
thrown  into  prison." 

"  I,  the  syndic  of  the  town  !  I,  who  put  everybody  else 
into  prison  !  " 

"  Even  so  ;  such  is  the  gratitude  of  King  William  for 
your  long  and  faithful  services.  Mynheer  Krause !  I  have 
now  sent  for  you,  that  we  may  consult  as  to  what  had 
best  be  done.  Will  you  fly  ?  I  have  the  means  for  your 
escape." 

"  Fly,  Mynheer  Ramsay ;  the  syndic  of  Amsterdam  fly  ? 
Never!  they  may  accuse  me  falsely,  they  may  condemn 
me  and  take  off  my  head  before  the  Stadt  House,  but  I 
will  not  fly." 

"  I  expected  this  answer  ;  and  you  are  right.  Mynheer 
Krause ;  but  there  are  other  considerations  worthy  of  your 
attention.  When  the  populace  know  you  are  in  prison 
for  treason,  they  will  level  this  house  to  the  ground." 

**  Well,  and  so  they  ought,  if  they  suppose  me  guilty  j 
I  care  little  for  that." 

"  I  am  aware  of  that  •,  but  still  your  property  will  be 
lost ;  but  it  will  be  but  a  matter  of  prudence  to  save  all 
you  can :  you  have  already  a  large  sum  of  gold  collected." 

'*  I  have  four  thousand  guilders,  at  least." 

"  You  must  think  of  your  daughter.  Mynheer  Krause. 
This  gold  must  not  find  its  way  into  the  pockets  of  the 
mob.  Now,  observe,  the  king's  cutter  sails  to-night,  and 
I  propose  that  your  gold  be  embarked,  and  I  will  take  it 
over  for  you  and  keep  it  safe.  Then,  let  what  will 
happen,  your  daughter  will  not  be  left  to  beggary." 

**True,  true,  my  dear  sir,  there  is  no  saying  how  this 
will  end :  it  may  end  well ;  but,  as  you  say,  if  the  house 
is  plundered,  the  gold  is  gone  for  ever.  Your  advice  is 
good,  and  I  will  give  you,  before  you  go,  orders  for  all 
the  monies  in  the  hands  of  my  agents  at  Hamburgh  and 
Frankfort  and  other  places.  I  have  taken  your  advice  my 
young  friend,  and,  though  I  have  property  to  the  amount 
of  some  hundred  thousand  guilders,  with  the  exception  of 
this  house  they  will  hold   little  of  it  which  belongs  to 


360  Snarleyyow;  or, 

Mynheer  Krause.  And  my  poor  daughter.  Mynheer 
Ramsay !  '* 

"  Should  any  accident  happen  to  you,  you  may  trust  to 
me,  I  swear  it  to  you,  Mynheer  Krause,  on  my  hope  of 
salvation." 

Here  the  old  man  sat  down  much  affected,  and  covered 
his  face. 

"  Oh  1  my  dear  young  friend,  what  a  world  is  this, 
where  they  cannot  distinguish  a  true  and  a  loyal  subject 
from  a  traitor.  But  why  could  you  not  stay  here, — protect 
my  house  from  the  mob, — demand  the  civic  guard." 

"  I  stay  here,  my  dear  sir,  why  I  am  included  in  the 
warrant  of  treason." 

"You?" 

**  Yes  ;  and  there  would  be  no  chance  of  my  escaping 
from  my  enemies,  they  detest  me  too  much.  But  cheer 
up,  sir,  I  think  that,  by  my  means,  you  may  be  cleared  of 
all  suspicions." 

"  By  your  means  ? " 

"  Yes  ;  but  I  must  not  explain  ;  my  departure  is  neces- 
sary for  your  safety  :  I  will  take  the  whole  upon  myself, 
and  you  shall  be  saved." 

"  I  really  cannot  understand  you,  my  dear  friend ;  but 
it  appears  to  me,  as  if  you  were  going  to  make  some  great 
sacrifice  for  my  sake." 

**I  will  not  be  questioned.  Mynheer  Krause;  only  this 
I  say,  that  I  am  resolved  that  you  shall  be  proved  innocent. 
It  is  my  duty.  But  we  have  no  time  to  lose.  Let  your 
gold  be  ready  at  sunset  :  I  will  have  everything  prepared." 

"  But  my  daughter  must  not  remain  here  ;  she  will  be 
by  herself,  at  the  mercy  of  the  mob." 

**  Be  satisfied.  Mynheer  Krause,  that  is  also  cared  for, 
your  daughter  must  leave  this  house,  and  be  in  a  safe 
retreat  before  the  officers  come  in  to  seize  you :  I  have 
arranged  everything." 

"  Where  do  you  propose  sending  her  ?  " 

"  Not  to  any  of  your  friends'  houses.  Mynheer  Krause, 
no — no,  but  I'll  see  her  in  safety  before  I  leave,  do  not  be 


The  Dog  Fiend  361 

afraid;  it  must  depend  upon  circumstances,  but  of  that 
hereafter,  you  have  no  time  to  lose." 

**  God  in  heaven!"  exclaimed  Mynheer  Krause,  un- 
locking the  door,  "that  I,  the  syndic,  the  most  loyal 
subject ! — well,  well,  you  may  truly  say,  *  put  not  your 
trust  in  princes.' " 

"Trust  in  me,  Mynheer  Krause,"  replied  Ramsay, 
taking  his  hand. 

"  I  do,  I  will,  my  good  friend,  and  I  will  go  to  prison 
proudly,  and  like  an  innocent  and  injured  man." 

And  Mynheer  Krause  hastened  down  to  his  connting- 
house,  to  make  the  proposed  arrangements,  Ramsay  return- 
ing to  Wilhelmina,  to  whom  he  imparted  what  had  taken 
place  between  him  and  her  father,  and  which  had  the 
effect  of  conforming  her  resolution. 

We  must  now  return  to  the  widow  Vandersloosh,  who 
has  arrived  safely,  but  melting  with  the  heat  of  her 
journey,  at  the  Palace  of  the  Hague.  She  immediately 
informed  one  of  the  domestics  that  she  wished  to  speak 
with  his  Majesty  upon  important  business. 

"  I  cannot  take  your  name  into  his  Majesty,  but  if  you 
will  give  it  me,  I  will  speak  to  Lord  Albemarle." 

The  widow  wrote  her  name  down  upon  a  slip  of  paper ; 
with  which  the  servant  went  away,  and  then  the  widow 
sat  down  upon  a  bench  in  the  hall,  and  cooled  herself  with 
her  fan. 

"  Frau  Vandersloosh,"  said  Lord  Albemarle,  on  reading 
the  name. 

"  Let  her  come  up, — why  this,"  continued  he,  turning 
to  the  Duke  of  Portland,  who  was  sitting  by  him,  "  is  the 
woman  who  is  ordered  to  be  arrested  this  night,  upon  the 
evidence  of  Lieutenant  Vanslyperken ;  we  shall  learn  some- 
thing now,  depend  upon  it." 

The  Frau  Vandersloosh  made  her  appearance,  sailing  in 
the  room  like  a  Dutch  man-of-war  of  that  period,  under 
full  sail,  high  pooped  and  broad  sterned.  Never  having 
stood  in  the  presence  of  great  men,  she  was  not  a  little 
confused,  so  she  fanned  herself  most  furiously. 


362  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"  You  wish  to  speak  with  me,"  said  Lord  Albemarle. 

*'  Yes,  your  honour's  honour,  I've  come  to  expose  a 
snivelling  traitor  to  his  Majesty's  crown.  Yes,  yes,  Mr 
Vanslyperken,  we  shall  see  now,"  continued  the  widow, 
talking  to  herself,  and  fanning  away. 

"  We  are  all  attentive,  madam." 

Mistress  Vandersloosh  then  began,  out  of  breath,  and 
continued  out  of  breath  till  she  had  told  the  whole  of  her 
story,  which,  as  the  reader  must  be  aware,  only  corrobo- 
rated all  Vanslyperken  had  already  stated,  with  the 
exception  that  he  had  denounced  the  widow.  Lord 
Albemarle  allowed  her  to  proceed  without  interruption,  he 
had  a  great  insight  into  character,  and  the  story  of  the 
widow  confirmed  him  in  his  opinion  of  Vanslyperken. 

**  But  my  good  woman,"  said  Lord  Albemarle,  "  are  you 
aware  that  Mr  Vanslyperken  has  already  been  here  ? " 

"  Yes,  your  honour,  I  met  him  going  back,  and  he 
turned  his  nose  up  at  me,  and  I  then  said,  *  Well,  well,  Mr 
Vanslyperken,  we  shall  see ;  wait  a  little,  Mr  Vansly- 
perken.' " 

*'And,"  continued  Lord  Albemarle,  "that  he  has 
denounced  you  as  being  a  party  to  all  these  treasonable 
practices." 

«  Me — denounced  me — he — O  Lord,  O  Lord,  only  let 
me  meet  him  face  to  face — let  him  say  it  then  if  he  dares, 
the  snivelling — cowardly — murdering  wretch." 

Thereupon  Mrs  Vandersloosh  commenced  the  history 
of  Vanslyperken's  wooing,  of  his  cur  Snarleyyow,  of  her 
fancy  for  the  corporal,  of  his  finding  her  with  the  corporal 
the  day  before,  of  her  beating  him  off  with  the  brooms, 
and  of  her  threats  to  expose  his  treason.  "  And  so,  now, 
when  he  finds  that  he  was  to  be  exposed,  he  comes  up 
first  himself ;  that's  now  the  truth  of  it,  or  my  name's  not 
Vandersloosh,  your  honour,"  and  the  widow  walked  up 
and  down  with  the  march  of  an  elephant,  fanning  herself 
violently,  her  bosom  heaving  with  agitation,  and  her  face 
as  red  as  a  boiled  lobster. 

**  Mistress  Vandersloosh,"  said  Lord  Albemarle,  "  let 


The  Dog  Fiend  ^6^ 

the  affair  rest  as  it  is  for  the  present,  but  I  shall  not  forget 
what  you  have  told  me.  I  think  now  that  you  had  better 
go  home." 

At  this  dismissal  the  widow  turned  round. 

** Thank  your  worship  kindly,"  said  she,  "I'm  ready  to 
come  whenever  I'm  wanted.  Yes,  yes,  Mr  Vanslyperken," 
resumed  the  widow,  as  she  walked  to  the  door,  quite 
forgetting  the  respect  due  to  the  two  noblemen,  "  we  shall 
see  ;  yes,  yes,  we  shall  see." 

**  Well,  my  lord,  what  think  you  of  this  .? "  said  Lord 
Albemarle  to  the  duke,  as  the  widow  closed  the  door. 

*'  Upon  my  soul  I  think  she  is  honest  -,  she  is  too  fat  for 
a  traitor." 

"I  am  of  your  opinion.  The  episode  of  the  corporal 
was  delightful,  and  has  thrown  much  light  upon  the 
lieutenant's  conduct,  who  is  a  traitor  in  my  opinion,  if 
ever  there  was  one  ;  but  he  must  be  allowed  to  fulfil 
his  task,  and  then  we  will  soon  find  out  the  traitor ;  but 
if  I  mistake  not,  that  man  was  born  to  be  hung." 

We  must  now  return  to  Mr  Vanslyperken,  who  received 
the  note  from  Ramsay,  just  as  he  was  going  down  to  the 
boat.  As  he  did  not  know  what  steps  were  to  be  taken 
by  government,  he  determined  to  go  up  to  Ramsay,  and 
inform  him  of  his  order  for  immediately  sailing. 

He  might  gain  further  information  from  his  letters,  and 
also  remove  the  suspicion  of  his  having  betrayed  him. 
Ramsay  received  Mr  Vanslyperken  with  an  air  of  con- 
fidence. 

"  Sit  down,  Mr  Vanslyperken,  I  wish  to  know  whether 
there  is  any  chance  of  your  sailing." 

**  I  was  about  to  come  up  to  you  to  state  that  I  have 
orders  to  sail  this  evening." 

"  That  is  fortunate,  as  I  intended  to  take  a  passage  with 
you,  and  what  is  more,  Mr  Vanslyperken,  I  have  a  large 
sum  in  specie,  which  we  must  contrive  to  get  on  board. 
Cannot  we  contrive  it,  I  cannot  go  without  it." 

"  A  large  sum  in  specie  ? "  Vanslyperken  reflected. 
**  Yes,  he  would  secure  Ramsay  as  a  prisoner,  and  possess 


364  Snarleyyow;  or, 

himself  of  the  specie  if  he  could.  His  entrapping  Ramsay 
on  board  would  be  another  proof  of  his  fidelity  and  dex- 
terity. But  then  Vanslyperken  thought  of  the  defection 
of  the  corporal,  but  that  was  of  no  great  consequence. 
The  crew  of  the  cutter  dare  not  disobey  him,  when  they 
were  ordered  to  seize  a  traitor." 

While  Vanslyperken  was  meditating  this,  Ramsay  fixed 
his  eyes  upon  him  waiting  for  his  reply. 

"  It  will  be  difficult,"  observed  Vanslyperken,  "  to  get 
the  specie  on  board  without  being  seen." 

"I'm  afraid  so  too,  but  I  have  a  proposition  to  make. 
Suppose  you  get  under  way,  and — heave  to  a  mile  outside, 
I  will  then  come  off  in  the  syndic's  barge.  I  can  have  the 
use  of  it.     Then  nothing  will  be  discovered." 

Vanslyperken  appeared  to  reflect  again. 

"  I  shall  still  run  a  great  risk,  Mr  Ramsay." 

**  You  will  run  some  little  perhaps,  but  you  will  be  well 
paid  for  it,  I  promise  you." 

"Well,  sir,  I  consent,"  replied  Vanslyperken.  "At 
what  hour  do  you  propose  to  embark  ?  " 

"  About  eleven  or  a  little  earlier.  You  will  have  a  light 
over  the  stern ;  hail  the  boat  when  you  see  it  coming,  and 
I  shall  answer,  '  King's  messenger,  with  despatches ; '  that 
will  be  a  blind  to  your  crew — they  supposed  me  a  king's 
messenger  before." 

"  Yes,  that  will  be  prudent,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  who 
then  took  his  leave  with  great  apparent  cordiality. 

"  Villain,"  muttered  Ramsay,  as  Vanslyperken  shut  the 
door,  "I  know  your  thoughts." 

We  must  pass  over  the  remainder  of  this  eventful  day. 
Wilhelmina  had  procured  the  dress  of  a  boy,  in  which 
disguise  she  proposed  to  elope  with  Ramsay,  and  all  her 
preparations  were  made  long  before  the  time.  Mynheer 
Krause  was  also  occupied  in  getting  his  specie  ready  for 
embarkation,  and  Ramsay  in  writing  letters.  The  de- 
spatches from  the  Hague  came  down  about  nine  o'clock, 
and  Vanslyperken  received  them  on  board.  About  ten,  he 
weighed  and  made  sail,  and  hove-to  about  a  mile  outside, 


The  Dog  Fiend  365 

with  a  light  shown  as  agreed.  About  the  time  arranged, 
a  large  boat  appeared  pulling  up  to  the  cutter.  "  Boat, 
ahoy !  "  "  King's  messenger  with  despatches,"  was  the 
reply.  "  All's  right,"  said  Vanslyperken,  "  get  a  rope 
there  from  forward." 

The  boat  darted  alongside  of  the  cutter.  She  pulled 
ten  oars,  but,  as  soon  as  she  was  alongside,  a  number  of 
armed  men  sprang  from  her  on  the  decks,  and  beat  the 
crew  below,  while  Ramsay,  with  pistols  in  his  belt,  and 
his  sword  in  his  hand,  went  aft  to  Vanslyperken. 

"What  is  all  this  ? "  exclaimed  the  terrified  lieutenant. 

**  Nothing,  sir,  but  common  prudence  on  my  part," 
replied  Ramsay.     **  I  have  an  account  to  settle  with  you." 

Vanslyperken  perceived  that  his  treachery  was  dis- 
covered, and  he  fell  upon  his  knees.  Ramsay  turned 
away  to  give  orders,  and  Vanslyperken  darted  down  the 
hatchway,  and  gained  the  lower  deck. 

"  Never  mind,"  said  Ramsay,  "  he'll  not  escape  me ; 
come,  my  lads,  hand  up  the  boxes  as  fast  as  you  can." 

Ramsay  then  went  to  the  boat,  and  brought  up 
Wilhelmina,  who  had  remained  there,  and  conducted  her 
down  into  the  cabin.  The  boxes  were  also  handed  down, 
the  boat  made  fast,  and  the  conspirators  remained  in 
possession  of  the  deck.  The  helm  was  taken  by  one  of 
them ;  sail  again  made  on  the  cutter,  and  the  boat  with  a 
boat-keeper  towed  astern. 


Chapter  XLVII 

Which  is  rather  interesting. 

Mr  Vanslyperken's  retreat  was  not  known  to  the  crew, 
they  thought  him  still  on  deck,  and  he  hastened  forward 
to  secrete  himself,  even  from  his  own  crew,  who  were 
not  a  little  astonished  at  this  unexpected  attack  which 
they  could  not  account  for.  The  major  part  of  the  arms 
on  board  were  always  kept  in  Mr  Vanslyperken's  cabin. 


366  Snarleyyow;  or, 

and  that  was  not  only  in  possession  of  the  assailants,  but 
there  was  a  strong  guard  in  the  passage  outside  which  led 
to  the  lower  deck. 

"Well,  this  beats  my  comprehension  entirely,"  said 
Bill  Spurey. 

"  Yes,"  replied  Short. 

"And  mine  too,"  added  Obadiah  Coble,  "being  as  we 
are,  as  you  know,  at  peace  with  all  nations,  to  be  boarded 
and  carried  in  this  way." 

"  Why,  what,  and  who  can  they  be  ?  " 

"I've  a  notion  that  Vanslyperken's  at  the  bottom  of 
it,"  replied  Spurey. 

"  Yes,"  said  Short. 

"But  it*s  a  bottom  that  I  can't  fathom,"  continued 
Spurey. 

"My  dipsey  line  arn't  long  enough  either,"  replied  Coble. 

"  Gott  for  dam,  what  it  can  be  !  "  exclaimed  Jansen. 
"  It  must  be  the  treason." 

"Mein  Gott!  yes,"  replied  Corporal  Van  Spitter.  "It 
is  all  treason,  and  the  traitor  be  Vanslyperken."  But 
although  the  corporal  had  some  confused  ideas,  yet  he 
could  not  yet  arrange  them. 

"  Well,  Tve  no  notion  of  being  boxed  up  here,"  observed 
Coble,  "  they  can't  be  so  many  as  we  are,  even  if  they  were 
stowed  away  in  the  boat,  like  pilchards  in  a  cask.  Can't 
we  get  at  the  arms,  corporal,  and  make  a  rush  for  it." 

"  Mein  Gott !  de  arms  are  all  in  the  cabin,  all  but  three 
pair  pistols  and  the  bayonets." 

"  Well,  but  we've  handspikes,"  observed  Spurey. 

"  Got  for  dam,  gif  me  de  handspike,"  cried  Jansen. 

"  We  had  better  wait  till  daylight,  at  all  events," 
observed  Coble,  "  we  shall  see  our  work  better." 

"  Yes,"  replied  Short. 

"  And,  in  the  meantime,  get  everything  to  hand  that 
we  can." 

"  Yes,"  replied  Short. 

"Well,  I  can't  understand  the  manoeuvre.  It  beats  my 
comprehension,  what  they  have  done  with  Vanslyperken." 


The  Dog  Fiend  ^i^^j 

"  I  don't  know,  but  they've  kicked  the  cur  out  of  the 
cabin." 

"  Then  they've  kicked  him  out  too,  depend  upon  it." 

Thus  did  the  crew  continue  to  surmise  during  the 
whole  night,  but,  as  Bill  Spurey  said,  the  manoeuvre  beat 
their  comprehension. 

One  thing  was  agreed  upon,  that  they  should  make  an 
attempt  to  recover  the  vessel  as  soon  as  they  could. 

In  the  meantime,  Ramsay  with  Wilhelmina,  and  the 
Jesuits,  had  taken  possession  of  the  cabin,  and  had  opened 
all  the  despatches  which  acquainted  them  with  the 
directions  in  detail,  given  for  the  taking  of  the  conspirators 
at  Portsmouth,  and  in  the  cave.  Had  it  not  been  to  save 
his  friends,  Ramsay  would,  at  once,  have  taken  the  cutter 
to  Cherbourg,  and  have  there  landed  Wilhelmina  and  the 
treasure ;  but  his  anxiety  for  his  friends,  determined  him 
to  run  at  once  for  the  cave,  and  send  overland  to  Ports- 
mouth. The  wind  was  fair  and  the  water  smooth,  and, 
before  morning,  the  cutter  was  on  her  way. 

In  the  meantime,  the  crew  of  the  cutter  had  not  been 
idle ;  the  ladders  had  been  taken  up  and  hatches  closed. 
The  only  chance  of  success  was  an  attack  upon  the  guard, 
who  was  stationed  outside  of  the  cabin. 

They  had  six  pistols,  about  two  hundred  pounds  of 
ammunition,  but  with  the  exception  of  half-a-dozen 
bayonets,  no  other  weapons.  But  they  were  resolute 
men,  and  as  soon  as  they  had  made  their  arrangements, 
which  consisted  of  piling  up  their  hammocks,  so  as  to 
make  a  barricade  to  fire  over,  they  then  commenced 
operations,  the  first  signal  of  which,  was  a  pistol-shot 
discharged  at  the  men  who  were  on  guard  in  the  passage, 
and  which  wounded  one  of  them.  Ramsay  darted  out 
of  the  cabin,  at  the  report  of  the  pistol,  another  and 
another  was  discharged,  and  Ramsay  then  gave  the  order 
to  fire  in  return.  This  was  done,  but  without  injury  to 
the  seamen  of  the  cutter,  who  were  protected  by  the 
hammocks,  and  Ramsay  having  already  three  of  his  men 
wounded,    found   that    the    post   below   was   no   longer 


368  Snarleyyow;  or, 

tenable.  A  consultation  took  place,  and  it  was  determined 
that  the  passage  on  the  lower  deck  and  the  cabin  should 
be  abandoned,  as  the  upper  deck  it  would  be  easy  to 
retain. 

The  cabin's  skylight  was  taken  off,  and  the  boxes  of 
gold  handed  up,  while  the  party  outside  the  cabin  door 
maintained  the  conflict  with  the  crew  of  the  Tungfrau, 
When  all  the  boxes  were  up,  Wilhelmina  was  lifted  on 
deck,  the  skylight  was  shipped  on  again,  and,  as  soon  as 
the  after  hatches  were  ready  to  put  on,  Ramsay's  men 
retreated  to  the  ladder,  which  they  drew  up  after  them, 
and  then  put  on  the  hatches. 

Had  not  the  barricade  of  hammocks  prevented  them,  the 
crew  of  the  Tungfrau  might  have  made  a  rush,  and  followed 
the  others  on  deck ;  but,  before  they  could  beat  down  the 
barricades,  which  they  did  as  soon  as  they  perceived  their 
opponents'  retreat,  the  ladder  was  up,  and  the  hatches 
placed  over  the  hatchways. 

The  Tungfraus  had  gained  the  whole  of  the  lower  deck, 
but  they  could  do  no  more  ;  and  Ramsay  perceived  that  if 
he  could  maintain  possession  of  the  upper  deck,  it  was  as 
much  as  he  could  expect  with  such  determined  assailants. 
This  warfare  had  been  continued  during  the  whole  morn- 
ing, and  it  was  twelve  o'clock  before  the  cabin  and  lower 
deck  had  been  abandoned  by  Ramsay's  associates.  During 
the  whole  day  the  skirmishes  continued,  the  crew  of  the 
Tungfrau  climbing  on  the  table  of  the  cabin,  and  firing 
through  the  skylight,  but  in  so  doing,  they  exposed  them- 
selves to  the  fire  of  the  other  party  who  sat  like  cats 
watching  for  their  appearance,  and  discharging  their  pieces 
the  moment  that  a  head  presented  itself.  In  the  meantime, 
the  cutter  darted  on  before  a  strong  favourable  breeze,  and 
thus  passed  the  first  day.  Many  attempts  were  made 
during  the  night  by  the  seamen  of  the  cutter  to  force  their 
way  on  deck,  but  they  were  all  prevented  by  the  vigilance 
of  Ramsay ;  and  the  next  morning  the  Isle  of  Wight  was 
in  sight.  Wilhelmina  had  passed  the  night  on  the  fore- 
castle, covered  up  with  a  sail ;  none  of  his  people  had  had 


The  Dog  Fiend  369 

anything  to  eat  during  the  time  that  they  were  on  board, 
and  Ramsay  was  most  anxious  to  arrive  at  his  destination. 

About  noon,  the  cutter  was  abreast  of  the  Black  Gang 
Chine  :  Ramsay  had  calculated  upon  retaining  possession  of 
the  cutter,  and  taking  the  whole  of  the  occupants  of  the 
cave  over  to  Cherbourg,  but  this  was  now  impossible.  He 
had  five  of  his  men  wounded,  and  he  could  not  row  the 
boat  to  the  cave  without  leaving  so  few  men  on  board,  that 
they  would  be  overpowered,  for  his  ammunition  was 
expended,  with  the  exception  of  one  or  two  charges,  which 
were  retained  for  an  emergency.  All  that  he  could  do 
now,  was,  therefore,  to  put  his  treasure  in  the  boat,  and 
with  Wilhelmina  and  his  whole  party  make  for  the  cave, 
when  he  could  send  notice  to  Portsmouth  for  the  others  to 
join  them,  and  they  must  be  content  to  await  the  meditated 
attack  upon  the  cave,  and  defend  it  till  they  could  make 
their  escape  to  France.  The  wind  being  foul  for  the 
cutter's  return  to  Portsmouth,  would  enable  him  to  give 
notice  at  Portsmouth,  over  land,  before  she  could  arrive. 

There  was  a  great  oversight  committed  when  the  lower 
deck  was  abandoned,  the  despatches  had  been  left  on  Mr 
Vanslyperken's  bed.  Had  they  been  taken  away  or 
destroyed,  there  would  have  been  ample  time  for  the  whole 
of  his  party  to  have  made  their  escape  from  England, 
before  duplicates  could  arrive.  As  it  was,  he  could  do  no 
more  than  what  we  have  already  mentioned. 

The  boat  was  hauled  up,  the  boxes  of  specie  put  in,  the 
wounded  men  laid  at  the  bottom  of  the  boat,  and  having, 
at  the  suggestion  of  one  of  the  men,  cut  the  lower 
riggings,  halyards,  &c.,  of  the  cutter  to  retard  its  progress 
to  Portsmouth,  Ramsay  and  his  associates  stepped  into  the 
boat,  and  pulled  for  the  cave. 

Their  departure  was  soon  ascertained  by  the  crew  of  the 
Tungfrau  who  now  forced  the  skylight,  and  gained  the 
deck,  but  not  before  the  boat  had  entered  the  cave. 

"  What's  to  be  done  now  ?  "  said  Coble.     **  Smash  my 
timbers,  but  they've  played  old  Harry  with  the  rigging. 
We  must  knot  and  splice." 
s  2  A 


370  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"  Yes,"  replied  Short. 

"  What  the  devil  have  they  done  with  Vanslyperken  ? " 
cried  Bill  Spurey. 

"  Either  shoved  him  overboard,  or  taken  him  with  them, 
I  suppose,"  cried  Coble. 

"  Well,  it's  a  nice  job  altogether,"  observed  Spurey. 

**  Mein  Gott !  yes,"  replied  the  corporal ;  "  we  will 
have  a  pretty  story  to  tell  de  admiral." 

"  Well,  they've  rid  us  of  him  at  all  events  ;  I  only  hope 
they'll  hang  him." 

*'Mein  Gott!  yes." 

"  He'll  have  his  desarts,"  replied  Coble. 

**  Got  for  tam  !  I  like  to  see  him  swing." 

"  Now  he's  gone,  let's  send  his  dog  after  him.  Hurrah, 
my  lads  !  get  a  rope  up  on  the  yard,  and  let  us  hang 
Snarleyyow." 

"  Mein  Gott !  I'll  go  fetch  him,"  cried  the  corporal. 

**  You  will — will  you  ?  "  roared  a  voice. 

The  corporal  turned  round,  so  did  the  others,  and  there, 
with  his  drawn  sword,  stood  Mr  Vanslyperken. 

"  You  d d  mutinous  scoundrel,"  cried  Vansly- 
perken, **  touch  my  dog,  if  you  dare." 

The  corporal  put  his  hand  up  to  the  salute,  and  Vansly- 
perken shook  his  head  with  a  diabolical  expression  of 
countenance. 

"  Now  where  the  devil  could  he  come  from  ^  "  whispered 
Spurey. 

Coble  shrugged  up  his  shoulders,  and  Short  gave  a  long 
whistle  expending  more  breath  than  usual. 

However,  there  was  no  more  to  be  said  ;  and  as  soon  as 
the  rigging  was  knotted  and  spliced,  sail  was  made  in  the 
cutter ;  but  the  wind  being  dead  in  their  teeth,  they  did 
not  arrive  until  late  the  next  evening,  and  the  admiral  did 
not  see  despatches  till  the  next  morning,  for  the  best  of 
all  possible  reasons,  that  Vanslyperken  did  not  take  them 
on  shore.  He  had  a  long  story  to  tell,  and  he  thought  it 
prudent  not  to  disturb  the  admiral  after  dinner,  as  great 
men  are  apt  to  be  very  choleric  during  the  progress  of 
digestion. 


The  Dog  Fiend  371 

The  consequence  was,  that  when,  the  next  morning, 
Mr  Vanslyperken  called  upon  the  admiral,  the  intelligence 
had  been  received  from  the  cave,  and  all  the  parties  had 
absconded.  Mr  Vanslyperken  told  his  own  tale,  how 
he  had  been  hailed  by  a  boat  purporting  to  have  a 
messenger  on  board,  how  they  had  boarded  him  and 
beat  down  himself  and  his  crew,  how  he  and  his  crew 
had  fought  under  hatches  and  beat  them  on  deck,  and 
how  they  had  been  forced  to  abandon  the  cutter.  All 
this  was  very  plausible,  and  then  Vanslyperken  gave  the 
despatches  opened  by  Ramsay. 

The  admiral  read  them  in  haste,  gave  immediate  orders 
for  surrounding  and  breaking  into  the  house  of  the  Jew 
Lazarus,  in  which  the  military  found  nobody  but  an  old 
tom-cat,  and  then  desired  Mr  Vanslyperken  to  hold  the 
cutter  in  readiness  to  embark  troops  and  sail  that  after- 
noon; but  troops  do  not  move  so  fast  as  people  think, 
and  before  one  hundred  men  had  been  told  off  by  the 
sergeant  with  their  accoutrements,  knapsacks,  and  sixty 
pounds  of  ammunition,  it  was  too  late  to  embark  them 
that  night,  so  they  waited  until  the  next  morning.  More- 
over, Mr  Vanslyperken  had  orders  to  draw  from  the 
dock-yard  three  large  boats  for  the  debarkation  of  the 
said  troops ;  but  the  boats  were  not  quite  ready,  one 
required  a  new  gunnel,  another  three  planks  in  the 
bottom,  and  the  third  having  her  stern  out,  it  required 
all  the  carpenters  in  the  yard  to  finish  it  by  the  next 
morning.  Mr  Vanslyperken's  orders  were  to  proceed 
to  the  cave,  and  land  the  troops,  to  march  up  to  the  cave, 
and  to  cover  the  advance  of  the  troops,  rendering  them 
all  the  assistance  in  his  power  in  co-operating  with  the 
major  commanding  the  detachment;  but  where  the  cave 
was,  no  one  knew,  except  that  it  was  thereabouts. 

The  next  morning,  at  eight  o'clock,  the  detachment, 
consisting  of  one  hundred  men,  were  embarked  on  board 
of  the  cutter,  but  the  major  commandant  finding  that  the 
decks  were  excessively  crowded,  and  that  he  could  hardly 
breathe,  ordered  section  first,  section  second,  and  section 


372  Snarleyyow;  or, 

third,  of  twenty-five  men  each,  to  go  into  the  boats  and 
be  towed.  After  which  there  was  more  room,  and  the 
cutter  stood  out  for  St  Helen's. 


Chapter  XLVIII 

In  which  there  is  a  great  deal  of  correspondence,  and  the  widow  is  called 
up  very  early  in  the  morning. 

We  must  now  return  to  Mynheer  Krause,  who,  after  he 
had  delivered  over  his  gold,  locked  up  his  counting-house 
and  went  up  to  the  saloon,  determining  to  meet  his  fate 
with  all  the  dignity  of  a  Roman  senator.  He  sent  for 
his  daughter,  who  sent  word  back  that  she  was  packing 
up  her  wardrobe,  and  this  answer  appeared  but  reasonable 
to  the  syndic,  who,  therefore,  continued  in  his  chair, 
reflecting  upon  his  approaching  incarceration,  conning 
speeches,  and  anticipating  a  glorious  acquittal,  until  the 
bell  of  the  cathedral  chimed  the  half-hour  after  ten. 
He  then  sent  another  message  to  his  daughter,  and  the 
reply  was  that  she  was  not  in  the  room,  upon  which  he 
despatched  old  Koop  to  Ramsay,  requesting  his  attend- 
ance. The  reply  to  this  second  message  was  a  letter 
presented  to  the  syndic,  who  broke  the  seal  and  read 
as  follows : 

"  My  dear  and  honoured  Sir, 
"I  have  sought  a  proper  asylum  for  your  daughter 
during  the  impending  troubles,  and  could  not  find  one 
which  pleased,  and  in  consequence  I  have  taken  the  bold 
step,  aware  that  I  might  not  have  received  your  sanction 
if  applied  for,  of  taking  her  on  board  the  cutter  with 
me;  she  will  there  be  safe,  and  as  her  character  might 
be,  to  a  certain  degree,  impeached  by  being  in  company 
with  a  man  of  my  age,  I  intend,  as  soon  as  we  arrive  in 
port,  to  unite  myself  to  her,  for  which  act,  I  trust,  you 
will  grant  me  your  pardon.     As   for  yourself,  be  under 


The  Dog  Fiend  ^HZ 

no  apprehension,  I  have  saved  you.  Treat  the  accusation 
with  scorn,  and  if  you  are  admitted  into  the  presence  of 
his  Majesty,  accuse  him  of  the  ingratitude  which  he  has 
been  guilty  of;  I  trust  that  we  shall  soon  meet  again, 
that  I  may  return  to  you  the  securities  and  specie  of  which 
I  have  charge,  as  well  as  your  daughter,  who  is  anxious 
once  more  to  receive  your  blessing. 

"  Yours  ever,  till  death, 

"  Edward  Ramsay." 

Mynheer  Krause  read  this  letter  over  and  over  again, 
it  was  very  mystifying.  Much  depends  in  this  world 
upon  the  humour  people  are  in  at  the  time ;  Mynheer 
Krause  was,  at  that  time,  full  of  Cato-like  devotion  and 
Roman  virtue,  and  he  took  the  contents  of  the  letter  in 
true  Catonic  style. 

"  Excellent  young  man — to  preserve  my  honour  he  has 
taken  her  away  with  him !  and,  to  preserve  her  reputation 
he  intends  to  marry  her  !  Now,  I  can  go  to  prison  with- 
out a  sigh.  He  tells  me  that  he  has  saved  me — saved 
me ! — why,  he  has  saved  everything  •,  me,  my  daughter, 
and  my  property !  Well,  they  shall  see  how  I  behave ! 
They  shall  witness  the  calmness  of  a  stoic ;  I  shall  express 
no  emotion  or  surprise  at  the  arrest,  as  they  will  naturally 
expect,  because  I  know  it  is  to  take  place — no  fear — no 
agitation  when  in  prison,  because  I  know  that  I  am  to 
be  saved.  I  shall  desire  them  to  bear  in  mind  that  I  am 
the  syndic  of  this  town,  and  must  receive  that  respect 
which  is  due  to  my  exalted  situation,"  and  Mynheer  Van 
Krause  lifted  his  pipe  and  ordered  Koop  to  bring  him 
a  stone  jug  of  beer,  and  thus  doubly-armed  like  Cato, 
he  awaited  the  arrival  of  the  officer  with  all  the  stoicism 
of  beer  and  tobacco. 

About  the  same  hour  of  night  that  the  letter  was  put 
into  the  hands  of  Mynheer  Krause,  a  packet  was  brought 
up  to  Lord  Albemarle,  who  was  playing  a  game  of  put 
with  his  Grace  the  Duke  of  Portland ;  at  that  time  put 
was  a  most  fashionable  game ;  but  games  are  like  garments. 


374  Snarleyyow;  or, 

as  they  become  old  they  are  cast  off,  and  handed  down  to 
the  servants.  The  outside  of  the  despatch  was  marked 
**  To  Lord  Albemarle's  own  hands.  Immediate  and  most 
important."  It  appeared,  however,  as  if  the  two  noble 
lords  considered  the  game  of  put  as  more  important  and 
immediate,  for  they  finished  it  without  looking  at  the 
packet  in  question,  and  it  was  midnight  before  they  threw 
up  the  cards.  After  which,  Lord  Albemarle  went  to  a 
side  table,  apart  from  the  rest  of  the  company,  and  broke 
the  seals.  It  was  a  letter  with  enclosures,  and  ran  as 
follows : 

"  My  Lord  Albemarle, 

"  Although  your  political  enemy,  I  do  justice  to 
your  merits,  and  to  prove  my  opinion  of  you,  address  to 
you  this  letter,  the  object  of  which  is  to  save  your  govern- 
ment from  the  disgrace  of  injuring  a  worthy  man,  and  a 
staunch  supporter,  to  expose  the  villany  of  a  coward  and  a 
scoundrel.  When  I  state  that  my  name  is  Ramsay,  you 
may  at  once  be  satisfied  that,  before  this  comes  to  your 
hands,  I  am  out  of  your  reach.  I  came  here  in  the  king's 
cutter,  commanded  by  Mr  Vanslyperken,  with  letters  of 
recommendation  to  Mynheer  Krause,  which  represented 
me  as  a  staunch  adherent  of  William  of  Orange  and  a 
Protestant,  and,  with  that  impression,  I  was  well  received, 
and  took  up  my  abode  in  his  house.  My  object  you  may 
imagine,  but  fortune  favoured  me  still  more,  in  having  in 
my  power  Lieutenant  Vanslyperken.  I  opened  the  govern- 
ment despatches  in  his  presence,  and  supplied  him  with 
false  seals  to  enable  him  to  do  the  same,  and  give  me  the 
extracts  which  were  of  importance,  for  which  I  hardly 
need  say  he  was  most  liberally  rewarded;  this  has  been 
carried  on  for  some  time,  but  it  appears,  that  in  showing 
him  how  to  obtain  your  secrets,  I  also  showed  him  how  to 
possess  himself  of  ours,  and  the  consequence  has  been  that 
he  has  turned  double  traitor,  and  I  have  now  narrowly 
escaped. 

**  The  information  possessed  by  Mynheer  Krause  was 


The  Dog  Fiend  ^y^ 

given  by  me,  to  win  his  favour  for  one  simple  reason,  that 
I  fell  in  love  with  his  daughter,  who  has  now  quitted  the 
country  with  me.  He  never  was  undeceived  as  to  my 
real  position,  nor  is  he  even  now.  Let  me  do  an  honest 
man  justice.  I  enclose  you  the  extracts  from  your  dupli- 
cates made  by  Mr  Vanslyperken,  written  in  his  own  hand, 
which  I  trust  will  satisfy  you  as  to  his  perfidy,  and  induce 
you  to  believe  in  the  innocence  of  the  worthy  syndic  from 
the  assurance  of  a  man,  who,  although  a  Catholic,  a 
Jacobite,  and  if  you  please  an  attainted  traitor,  is  incapable 
of  telling  you  a  falsehood.  I  am,  my  lord,  with  every 
respect  for  your  noble  character. 

**  Yours  most  obediently, 

"Edward  Ramsay." 

"This  is  corroborative  of  my  suspicions,"  said  Lord 
Albemarle,  putting  down  the  papers  before  the  Duke  of 
Portland. 

The  duke  read  the  letter  and  examined  the  en- 
closures. 

"  Shall  we  see  the  king  to-night  ? " 

"No,  he  is  retired,  and  it  is  of  no  use,  they  are  in 
prison  by  this  time ;  we  will  wait  the  report  to-morrow 
morning — ascertain  how  many  have  been  secured — and 
then  lay  these  documents  before  his  Majesty." 

Leaving  the  two  noble  lords  to  go  to  bed,  we  shall  now 
return  to  Amsterdam  at  twelve  o'clock  at  night  precisely ; 
as  the  bell  tolled,  a  loud  knock  was  heard  at  the  syndic's 
house.  Koop,  who  had  been  ordered  by  his  master  to 
remain  up,  immediately  opened  the  door,  and  a  posse 
comitatus  of  civil  power  filled  the  yard. 

"  Where  is  Mynheer  Krause  ? "  inquired  the  chief  in 
authority. 

"  Mynheer,  the  syndic,  is  upstairs  in  the  saloon." 

Without  sending  up  his  name,  the  officer  went  up, 
followed  by  three  or  four  others,  and  found  Mynheer 
Krause  smoking  his  pipe. 

"  Ah,  my  very  particular  friend,  Mynheer  Engelback, 


'T^'jS  Snarleyyow;  or, 

what  brings  you  here  at  this  late  hour  with  all  your  people  ? 
Is  there  a  fire  in  the  town  ? " 

"  No,  Mynheer  Syndic.  It  is  an  order  I  am  very  sorry 
to  say  to  arrest  you,  and  conduct  you  to  prison." 

"  Arrest  and  conduct  me  to  prison — me  the  syndic  of 
the  town — that  is  strange — will  you  allow  me  to  see  your 
warrant — yes,  it  is  all  true  and  countersigned  by  his 
Majesty ;  I  have  no  more  to  say,  Mynheer  Engelback.  As 
syndic  of  this  town,  and  administrator  of  the  laws,  it  is  my 
duty  to  set  the  example  of  obedience  to  them,  at  the  same 
time  protesting  my  entire  innocence.  Koop,  get  me  my 
mantle.  Mynheer  Engelback,  I  claim  to  be  treated  with 
the  respect  due  to  me,  as  syndic  of  this  town." 

The  officers  were  not  a  little  staggered  at  the  coolness 
and  sang  froid  of  Mynheer  Krause,  he  had  never  appeared 
to  so  much  advantage ;  they  bowed  respectfully  as  he 
finished  his  speech. 

"I believe.  Mynheer  Krause,  that  you  have  some  friends 
staying  with  you  ? " 

"  I  have  no  friend  in  the  house  except  my  very  particular 
friend.  Mynheer  Engelback,"  replied  the  syndic. 

"  You  must  excuse  us,  but  we  must  search  the  house." 

"  You  have  his  Majesty's  warrant  so  to  do,  and  no 
excuse  is  necessary." 

After  a  diligent  search  of  half  an  hour,  nobody  was 
found  in  the  house,  and  the  officers  began  to  suspect  that 
the  government  had  been  imposed  upon.  Mynheer 
Krause,  with  every  mark  of  attention  and  respect,  was 
then  walked  off  to  the  Hotel  de  Ville,  where  he  remained 
in  custody,  for  it  was  not  considered  right  by  the 
authorities,  that  the  syndic  should  be  thrown  into  the 
common  prison  upon  suspicion  only.  When  he  arrived 
there.  Mynheer  Krause  surprised  them  all  by  the 
philosophy  with  which  he  smoked  his  pipe. 

But,  although  there  was  nobody  to  be  found,  except 
the  syndic  in  the  syndic's  house,  and  not  a  soul  at  the 
house  inhabited  by  the  Jesuit,  there  was  one  more  person 
included  in  the  warrant,  which  was  the  widow  Vander- 


The  Dog  Fiend  377 

sloosh ;  for  Lord  Albemarle,  although  convinced  in  his 
own  mind  of  her  innocence,  could  not  take  upon  himself 
to  interfere  with  the  decisions  of  the  council ;  so,  about 
one  o'clock,  there  was  a  loud  knocking  at  the  widow's 
door,  which  was  repeated  again  and  again  before  it  awoke 
the  widow,  who  was  fatigued  with  her  long  and  hot 
journey  to  the  Hague.  As  for  Babette,  she  made  a  rule 
never  to  wake  at  anything,  but  the  magical  No.  6, 
sounded  by  the  church  clock,  or  by  her  mistress's  voice. 

*' Babette,"  cried  the  widow  Vandersloosh,  *'  Babette." 

''  Yes,  ma'am." 

"There's  a  knock  at  the  door,  Babette." 

**  Only  some  drunken  sailors,  ma'am — they  go  away 
when  they  find  they  cannot  get  in." 

Here  the  peals  were  redoubled. 

"  Babette,  get  up,  Babette — and  threaten  them  with 
the  watch." 

*'  Yes,  ma'am,"  replied  Babette,  with  a  terrible  yawn. 

Knocking  and  thumping  with  strokes  louder  than 
before. 

"  Babette,  Babette !  " 

"  I  must  put  something  on,  ma'am,"  replied  Babette, 
rather  crossly. 

"  Speak  to  them  out  of  the  window,  Babette." 

Here  poor  Babette  came  down  to  the  first  floor,  and 
opening  the  window  r.t  the  landing-place  on  the  stairs, 
put  her  head  out  and  cried, 

"  If  you  don't  go  away,  you  drunken  fellows,  my 
mistress  will  send  for  the  watch." 

*'  If  you  don't  come  down  and  open  the  door,  we  shall 
break  it  open,"  replied  the  officer  sent  to  the  duty. 

"Tell  them  it's  no  inn,  Babette,  we  won't  let  people 
in  after  hours,"  cried  the  widow,  turning  in  her  bed  and 
anxious  to  resume  her  sound  sleep. 

Babette  gave  the  message  and  shut  down  the  window. 

"  Break  open  the  door,"  cried  the  officer  to  his 
attendants.  In  a  minute  or  two  the  door  was  burst 
open,  and  the  party  ascended  the  staircase. 


^yS  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"  Mercy  on  me  !  Babette,  if  they  arn't  come  in,"  cried 
the  widow,  who  jumped  out  of  her  bed,  and  nearly 
shutting  her  door,  which  had  been  left  open  for  ventila- 
tion, she  peeped  out  to  see  who  were  the  bold  intruders  ; 
she  perceived  a  man  in  black  with  a  white  staff. 

"  What  do  you  want  ?  "  screamed  the  widow,  terrified. 

**We  want  Mistress  Vandersloosh.  Are  you  that 
person  ?  "  said  the  officer. 

"  To  be  be  sure  I  am.     But  what  do  you  want  here  ?  " 

"  I  must  request  you  to  dress  and  come  along  with 
me  directly  to  the  Stadt  House,"  replied  the  officer,  very 
civilly. 

"  Gott  in  himmel !  what's  the  matter  ?  " 

"  It's  on  a  charge  of  treasonable  practices,  madam." 

"  Oh,  ho  !  I  see  :  Mr  Vanslyperken.  Very  well,  good 
sir ;  I'll  put  on  my  clothes  directly.     I'll  get  up  any  hour 

in   the   night,   with   pleasure,  to   bring    that   villain . 

Yes,  yes,  Mr  Vanslyperken,  we  shall  see.  Babette,  take 
the  gentleman  down  in  the  parlour,  and  give  them  some 
bottled  beer.  You'll  find  it  very  good,  sirs  ;  it's  of  my 
own  brewing.  And  Babette,  you  must  come  up  and 
help  me." 

The  officer  did  not  think  it  necessary  to  undeceive  the 
widow,  who  imagined  that  she  was  to  give  evidence 
against  Vanslyperken,  not  that  she  was  a  prisoner  herself. 
Still,  the  widow  Vandersloosh  did  not  like  being  called 
up  at  such  an  unseasonable  hour,  and  thus  expressed 
herself  to  Babette  as  she  was  dressing  herself. 

"  "Well,  we  shall  see  the  ending  of  this,  Babette. — 
My  under  petticoat  is  on  the  chair. — I  told  the  lords 
the  whole  truth,  every  word  of  it ;  and  I  am  convinced 
that  they  believed  me,  too. — Don't  pull  tight  all  at  once, 
Babette  •,  how  often  do  I  tell  you  that.  I  do  believe  you 
missed  a  hole. — The  cunning  villain  goes  there  and  says 
that  I — yes,  Babette — that  I  was  a  traitor  myself;  and 
I  said  to  the  lords,  *  Do  I  look  like  a  traitor  ? ' — My 
petticoats,  Babette  ;  how  stupid  you  are,  why,  your  eyes 
are  half  shut  now ;   you   know  I  always  wear  the  blue 


The  Dog  Fiend  379 

first,  then  the  green,  and  the  red  last,  and  yet  you  will 
give  me  the   first  which  comes. — He's  a  handsome  lord, 

that   Duke    of  Portland ;   he    was    one   of   the  hon  

before  King  William  went  over  and  conquered  England, 
and  he  was  made  a  lord  for  his  valour. — My  ruff,  Babette. 
The  Dutch  are  a  brave  nation. — My  bustle  now. — How 
much  beer  did  you  give  the  officers  ?  Mind  you  take 
care  of  everything  while  I  am  gone.  I  shall  be  home  by 
nine,  I  dare  say.  I  suppose  they  are  going  to  try  him 
now,  that  he  may  be  hanged  at  sunrise.  I  knew  how 
it  would  be.  Yes,  yes,  Mr  Vanslyperken,  every  dog 
has  his  day  ;  and  there's  an  end  of  you,  and  of  your  cur 
also,  I've  a  notion." 

The  widow  being  now  duly  equipped,  walked  down 
stairs  to  them,  and  proceeded  with  the  officers  to  the  Stadt 
House.  She  was  brought  into  the  presence  of  Mynheer 
Engelback,  who  held  the  office  of  provost. 

**  Here  is  the  widow  Vandersloosh,  mynheer." 

**  Very  well,"  replied  Engelback,  who  was  in  a  very  bad 
humour  at  the  unsuccessful  search  after  the  conspirators, 
"  away  with  her." 

"  Away  !  where  ? "  exclaimed  the  widow. 

Engelback  did  not  condescend  to  make  a  reply.  The 
officers  were  mute ;  but  one  stout  man  on  either  side 
seized  her  arm  and  led  her  away,  notwithstanding  ex- 
postulation, and  some  resistance  on  her  part. 

"  Where  am  I  going  ?  what  is  all  this  ? "  exclaimed  the 
widow,  terrified ;  but  there  was  no  answer. 

At  last  they  came  to  a  door,  held  open  already  by 
another  man  with  a  bunch  of  keys.  The  terrified  woman 
perceived  that  it  was  a  paved  stone  cell,  with  a  brick  arch 
over  it ;  in  short,  a  dungeon.  The  truth  flashed  upon 
her,  for  the  first  time.  It  was  she  who  had  been  arrested 
for  treason.  But  before  she  could  shriek  she  was  shoved 
in,  and  the  door  closed  and  locked  upon  her  ;  and  the 
widow  sank  down  into  a  sitting  posture  on  the  ground, 
overcome  with  astonishment  and  indignation.  "Was  it 
possible  ?     Had  the  villain  prevailed  ? "  was  the  question. 


380  Snarleyyow;  or, 

which  she  asked  herself  over  and  over  again,  changing 
alternately  from  sorrow  to  indignation :  at  one  time  wring- 
ing her  hands,  and  at  others  exclaiming,  "  "Well,  well,  Mr 
Vanslyperken,  we  shall  see." 


Chapter  XLIX 

In  which  is  related  much  appertaining  to  the  "  pomp  and  glorious  circum- 
stance "  of  war. 

The  arrival  of  Ramsay  and  his  party  was  so  unexpected, 
that,  at  first,  Lady  Barclay  imagined  they  had  been 
betrayed,  and  that  the  boat  was  filled  with  armed  men 
from  the  king's  cutter,  who  had  come  on  shore  with  a  view 
of  forcing  an  entrance  into  the  cave.  In  a  minute  every 
preparation  was  made  for  defence  -,  for  it  had  long  been 
arranged,  that,  in  case  of  an  unexpected  attack,  the  women 
should  make  all  the  resistance  in  their  power,  and  which 
the  nature  of  the  place  enabled  them  to  do. 

But,  as  many  observed,  the  party,  although  coming  from 
the  cutter,  and  not  badly  armed,  did  not  appear  to  advance 
in  a  hostile  manner.  After  waiting  some  time  near  the 
boat,  they  advanced,  each  with  a  box  on  his  shoulder  •,  but 
what  those  boxes  might  be  was  a  puzzle  -,  they  might  be 
hand-grenades  for  throwing  into  the  cave.  However,  they 
were  soon  down  to  the  rock  at  which  the  ladder  was  let 
down,  and  then  Smallbones  stood  up  with  a  musket  in  his 
hands,  with  his  straddling  legs  and  short  petticoat,  and 
bawled  out,  **  Who  comes  there  ? " 

Ramsay,  who  was  assisting  Wilhelmina,  looked  up 
surprised  at  this  singular  addition  to  the  occupants  of  the 
cave.  And  Wilhelmina  also  looked  at  him,  and  said,  "  Can 
that  be  a  woman,  Ramsay  ? " 

*'  At  all  events,  I've  not  the  honour  of  her  acquaintance. 
But  she  is  pointing  her  musket, — we  are  friends,"  cried 
Ramsay.     **  Tell  Mistress  Alice  it  is  Ramsay." 

Smallbones  turned  round  and  reported  the  answer ;  and 


The  Dog  Fiend  381 

then,  in  obedience  to  his  orders  from  Mistress  Alice,  he 
cried  out,  in  imitation  of  the  sentinels,  "  Pass,  Ramsa)^,  and 
all's  well !  "  presented  his  arms,  and  made  a  flying  leap  off 
the  rock  where  he  stood,  down  on  the  platform,  that  he 
might  lower  the  ladder  as  soon  as  Ramsay  was  up,  who 
desired  everybody  might  be  sent  down  to  secure  the 
boxes  of  specie  as  fast  as  they  could,  lest  the  cutter's 
people,  releasing  themselves,  should  attempt  an  attack. 
Now,  there  was  no  more  concealment  necessary,  and  the 
women  as  well  as  the  men  went  down  the  precipitous  path 
and  brought  up  the  treasure,  while  Ramsay  introduced 
Wilhelmina  to  Lady  Barclay,  and,  in  a  brief,  but  clear 
narrative,  told  her  all  that  had  passed,  and  what  they  had 
now  to  expect.  There  was  not  a  moment  for  delay  ;  the 
cutter's  people  might  send  the  despatches  over  land  if  they 
thought  of  it,  and  be  there  as  soon,  if  not  sooner  than 
themselves.  Nancy  Corbett  was  summoned  immediately, 
and  her  instructions  given.  The  whole  of  the  confederates 
at  Portsmouth  were  to  come  over  to  the  cave  with  what 
they  could  collect  and  carry  about  their  persons  ;  and,  in 
case  of  the  cutter  sending  over  land,  with  the  precaution  of 
being  in  disguise.  Of  arms  and  ammunition  there  was 
sufficient  in  the  cave,  which  Ramsay  now  felt  was  to  be 
defended  to  the  last,  until  they  could  make  a  retreat  over 
to  the  other  side  of  the  channel.  In  half  an  hour,  Nancy 
was  gone,  and  that  very  night  had  arrived  at  Portsmouth, 
and  given  notice  to  the  whole  of  the  confederates.  Upon 
consultation,  it  was  considered  that  the  best  disguise  would 
be  that  of  females ;  and,  in  consequence,  they  were  all  so 
attired,  and  before  morning  had  all  passed  over,  two  or 
three  in  a  boat,  and  landed  at  Ryde,  where  they  were 
collected  by  Moggy  Salisbury,  who  alone,  of  the  party, 
knew  the  way  to  the  retreat.  They  walked  across  the 
island  by  two  and  three,  one  party  just  keeping  sight  of  the 
next  ahead  of  them,  and  arrived  without  suspicion  or 
interruption,  conducted  by  Moggy  Salisbury,  Lazarus  the 
Jew,  and  sixteen  stout  and  desperate  men,  who  had 
remained  secreted  in  the  Jew's  house,  ready  to  obey  any 


382  Snarleyyow;  or, 

order,  however  desperate  the  risk  might  be,  of  their 
employers. 

When  they  were  all  assembled  at  the  brow  of  the 
precipice,  with  the  exception  of  Lazarus,  who  looked  like 
a  little  old  woman,  a  more  gigantic  race  of  females  was 
never  seen ;  for,  determined  upon  a  desperate  resistance  if 
discovered,  they  had  their  buff  jerkins  under  their  female 
garments.  They  were  soon  in  the  cave,  and  very  busy, 
under  Ramsay's  directions,  preparing  against  the  expected 
attack.  Sir  Robert  Barclay,  with  his  boat,  had  been  over 
two  days  before,  and  it  was  not  known  when  he  would 
return.  That  his  presence  was  most  anxiously  looked  for 
may  be  readily  conceived,  as  his  boat's  crew  would  double 
their  force  if  obliged  to  remain  there  ;  and  his  boat  would 
enable  them,  with  the  one  brought  by  Ramsay,  to  make 
their  escape  without  leaving  one  behind,  before  the 
attack  could  be  made. 

Nancy  Corbett,  as  the  reader  may  have  observed,  did 
not  return  to  the  cave  with  the  conspirators.  As  she  was 
not  suspected,  she  determined  to  remain  at  Portsmouth  till 
the  last,  and  watch  the  motions  of  the  authorities. 

The  cutter  did  not  arrive  till  the  evening  of  the  second 
day,  and  the  despatches  were  not  delivered  to  the  admiral 
till  the  third  morning,  when  all  was  bustle  and  preparation. 
Nancy  Corbett  was  everywhere,  she  found  out  what 
troops  were  ordered  to  embark  on  the  expedition,  and  she 
was  acquainted  with  some  of  the  officers,  as  well  as  the 
sergeants  and  corporals  ;  an  idea  struck  her  which  she 
thought  she  could  turn  to  advantage.  She  slipped  into 
the  barrack-yard,  and  to  where  the  men  were  being 
selected,  and  was  soon  close  to  a  sergeant  whom  she  was 
acquainted  with. 

"  So,  you've  an  expedition  on  hand.  Sergeant  Tanner." 

**  Yes,  Mistress  Corbett,  and  I'm  one  of  the  party." 

"  I  wish  you  joy,"  replied  Nancy,  sarcastically. 

"  Oh,  it's  nothing,  Mistress  Corbett,  nothing  at  all, 
only  some   smugglers   in  a  cave;   we'll  soon  rout  them 


The  Dog  Fiend  383 

"  I've  heard  a  diiFerent  account  from  the  admiral's  clerk." 

"  Why,  what  have  you  heard  ? " 

"  First,  tell  me  how  many  men  are  ordered  out." 

"  A  hundred  rank  and  file — eight  non-commissioned 
ofHcers — two  lieutenants — one  captain — and  one  major." 

**  Bravo,  sergeant,  you'll  carry  all  before  you." 

"Why,  I  hope  so,  Mistress  Corbett,  especially  as  we 
are  to  have  the  assistance  of  the  cutter's  crew." 

"  Better  and  better  still,"  replied  Nancy,  ironically. 
**  I  wish  you  joy  of  your  laurels,  sergeant,  ha,  ha,  ha." 

**  Why  do  you  laugh.  Mistress  Corbett,  and  what  is  that 
you  have  heard  at  the  admiral's  office  ?  " 

"  What  you  may  hear  yourself,  and  what  I  know  to  be 
true  ;  there  is  not  a  single  smuggler  in  the  cave." 

"No!"  exclaimed  the  sergeant.  "What,  nobody 
there  ?  " 

"Yes,  there  is  somebody  there,  the  cave  has  been 
chosen  by  the  smugglers  to  land  their  goods  in." 

"  But  some  of  them  must  be  there  in  charge  of  the 
goods." 

"  Yes,  so  there  are,  but  they  are  all  women,  the 
smugglers'  wives,  who  live  there ;  what  an  expedition ! 
Let  me  see : — one  gallant  major,  one  gallant  captain,  two 
gallant  lieutenants,  eight  gallant  non-commissioned  officers, 
and  a  hundred  gallant  soldiers  of  the  Buffs,  all  going  to 
attack,  and  rout,  and  defeat  a  score  of  old  women." 

"  But  you're  joking,  Mistress  Nancy." 

"  Upon  my  life  I'm  not,  sergeant,  you'll  find  it  true  5 
the  admiral's  ashamed  of  the  whole  affair,  and  the  cutter's 
crew  swear  they  won't  fire  a  single  shot." 

"  By  the  god  of  war !  "  exclaimed  the  sergeant,  "  but 
this  is  cursed  bad  news  you  bring.  Mistress  Corbett." 

"  Not  at  all ;  your  regiment  will  become  quite  the 
fancy,  you'll  go  by  the  name  of  the  lady-killers,  ha,  ha, 
ha.     I  wish  you  joy,  sergeant,  ha,  ha,  ha." 

Nancy  Corbett  knew  well  the  power  of  ridicule,  she  left 
the  sergeant,  and  was  accosted  by  one  of  the  lieutenants  ; 
she  rallied  him  in  the  same  way. 


384  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"  But  are  you  really  in  earnest,  Nancy  ?  "  said  Lieutenant 
Dillon,  at  last. 

"  Upon  my  soul  I  am ;  but,  at  the  same  time  I  hear, 
that  they  will  fight  hard,  for  they  are  well-armed  and 
desperate,  like  their  husbands,  and  they  swear  that  they'll 
all  die  to  a  woman,  before  they  yield  ;  so  now  we  shall  see 
who  fights  best,  the  women  or  the  men.  Fll  back  my  own 
sex  for  a  gold  Jacobus,  lieutenant :  will  you  take  the 
bet  ? " 

"  Good  God,  how  very  annoying  !  I  can't,  I  won't  order 
the  men  to  fire  at  women  ;  I  could  not  do  so  if  they  were 
devils  incarnate  5  a  woman  is  a  woman  still." 

"  And  never  the  worse  for  being  brave.  Lieutenant 
Dillon ;  as  I  said  to  Sergeant  Tanner,  your  regiment,  after 
this,  will  always  go  by  the  name  of  the  lady-killers." 

"  D — n  !  "  exclaimed  the  lieutenant ;  "  but  now  I  re- 
collect there  must  be  more  there  ;  those  who  had  possession 
of  the  cutter  and  who  landed  in  her  boat." 

"  Yes,  with  forty  boxes  of  gold  they  say  j  but  do  you  think 
they  would  be  such  fools  as  to  remain  there  and  allow  you 
to  take  their  money — that  boat  started  for  France  yester- 
day night  with  all  the  treasure,  and  are  now  safe  at 
Cherbourg.  I  know  it  for  a  fact,  for  one  of  the  men's 
wives  who  lives  here,  showed  me  a  letter  to  that  effect  ^ 
from  her  husband,  in  which  he  requests  her  to  follow  him. 
But  I  must  go  now,  good-bye,  Mr  Lady-killer." 

The  lieutenant  repeated  what  Nancy  had  told  him  to 
the  officers,  and  the  major  was  so  much  annoyed,  that  he 
went  up  to  the  admiral  and  stated  what  the  report  was, 
and  that  there  were  only  women  to  contend  with. 

**  It  is  mentioned  in  the  despatches,  I  believe,"  observed 
the  admiral,  "that  there  are  only  women  supposed  to  be 
in  the  cavej  but  the  smugglers  who  were  on  board  the 
cutter " 

"Have  left  with  their  specie  yesternight,  admiral;  so 
that  we  shall  gain  neither  honour  nor  profit." 

"  At  all  events,  you  will  have  the  merit  of  obeying  your 
orders.  Major  Lincoln." 


The  Dog  Fiend  385 

The  major  made  no  reply,  but  went  away  very  much 
dissatisfied.  In  the  meantime,  the  sergeant  had  communi- 
cated with  his  non-commissioned  officers  and  the  privates 
ordered  on  the  duty,  and  the  discontent  was  universal. 
Most  of  the  men  swore  that  they  would  not  pull  a  trigger 
against  women,  if  they  were  shot  for  it,  and  the  disaffection 
almost  amounted  to  mutiny.  Nancy,  in  the  meantime,  had 
not  been  idle,  she  had  found  means  to  speak  with  the 
boats'  crews  of  the  Tungfrau,  stated  the  departure  of  the 
smugglers  with  their  gold,  and  the  fact  that  they  were  to 
fight  with  nothing  but  women,  that  the  soldiers  had  vowed 
that  they  would  not  fire  a  shot,  and  that  Moggy  Salisbury, 
who  was  with  them,  swore  that  she  would  hoist  up  her 
smock  as  a  flag,  and  fight  to  the  last.  This  was  soon 
known  on  board  of  the  Tungfrau,  and  gave  great  disgust 
to  every  one  of  the  crew,  who  declared  to  a  man,  that  they 
would  not  act  against  petticoats,  much  less  fire  a  shot  at 
Moggy  Salisbury. 

What  a  mountain  of  mischief  can  be  heaped  up  by  the 
insidious  tongue  of  one  woman  ! 

After  this  explanation,  it  may  be  supposed  that  the  zeal 
of  the  party  despatched  was  not  very  great.  The  fact  is, 
they  were  all  sulky,  from  the  major  downwards,  among 
the  military,  and  from  Vanslyperken  downwards,  among 
the  naval  portion  of  the  detachment.  Nancy  Corbett, 
satisfied  with  having  effected  her  object,  had  crossed  over 
the  night  before,  and  joined  her  companions  in  the  cave, 
and  what  was  extremely  fortunate,  on  the  same  night  Sir 
Robert  Barclay  came  over  in  the  lugger,  and  finding  how 
matters  stood,  immediately  hoisted  both  the  boats  up  on 
the  rocks,  and  taking  up  all  the  men,  prepared  with  his 
followers  for  a  vigorous  resistance,  naturally  to  be 
expected  from  those  whose  lives  depended  upon  the  issue 
of  the  conflict. 

Next  morning  the  cutter  was  seen  coming  down  with 
the  boats  in  tow,  hardly  stemming  the  flood,  from  the 
lightness  of  the  breeze,  when  Nancy  Corbett  requested  to 
speak  with  Sir  Robert  Barclay.     She  stated  to  him  what 

S  2  B 


386  Snarleyyow;  or, 

she  had  done,  and  the  dissatisfaction  among  the  troops  and 
seamen  in  consequence,  and  submitted  to  him  the  propriety 
of  all  the  smugglers  being  dressed  as  women,  as  it  would 
operate  more  in  their  favour  than  if  they  had  fifty  more 
men  to  defend  the  cave.  Sir  Robert  perceived  the  good 
sense  of  this  suggestion,  and  consulted  with  Ramsay,  who 
strongly  urged  the  suggestion  being  acted  upon.  The 
men  were  summoned,  and  the  affair  explained  to  them, 
and  the  consequence  was,  that  there  was  a  scene  of  mirth 
and  laughter,  which  ended  with  every  man  being  fitted 
with  woman's  attire.  The  only  one  who  remained  in  the 
dress  of  a  man  was  a  woman,  Wilhelmina  Krause,  but  she 
was  to  remain  in  the  cave  with  the  other  women,  and  take 
no  part  in  the  coming  fray. 


Chapter  L 

In  which  the  officers,  non-commissioned  officers,  and  rank  and  file,  are  all 
sent  to  the  right  about. 

About  noon  the  Tungfrau  hove-to  off  the  cave,  and  the 
troops  were  told  off  into  the  boats. 

About  half-past  twelve  the  troops  were  in  the  boats  all 
ready. 

About  one  Mr  Vanslyperken  had  hoisted  out  his  own 
boats,  and  they  were  manned.  Mr  Vanslyperken,  with 
his  pistols  in  his  belt,  and  his  sword  drawn,  told  Major 
Lincoln  that  he  was  all  ready.  Major  Lincoln,  with  his 
spy-glass  in  his  hand,  stepped  into  the  boat  with  Mr 
Vanslyperken,  and  the  whole  detachment  pulled  for  the 
shore,  and  landed  in  the  small  cove,  where  they  found  the 
smugglers'  boats  hoisted  up  on  the  rocks,  at  which  the 
men  appeared  to  be  rejoiced,  as  they  took  it  for  granted 
that  they  would  find  some  men  to  fight  with  instead  of 
women.  The  major  headed  his  men,  and  they  commenced 
a  scramble  up  the  rocks  and  arrived  at  the  foot  of  the 
high  rock  which  formed  the  platform  above  at  the  mouth 


The  Dog  Fiend  ^Sy 

of  the  cave,  when  the  major  cried  "  Halt ! " — a  very- 
judicious  order,  considering  that  it  was  impossible  to  go 
any  further.  The  soldiers  looked  about  everywhere,  but 
could  find  no  cave,  and  after  an  hour's  strict  search.  Major 
Lincoln  and  his  officers,  glad  to  be  rid  of  the  affair,  held  a 
consultation,  and  it  was  agreed  that  the  troops  should  be 
re-embarked.  The  men  were  marched  down  again  very 
hot  from  their  exertions,  and  thus  the  expedition  would 
have  ended  without  bloodshed,  had  it  not  been  for  the 
incautious  behaviour  of  a  woman.  That  woman  was 
Moggy  Salisbury,  who,  having  observed  that  the  troops 
were  re-embarking,  took  the  opportunity,  while  Sir  Robert 
and  all  the  men  were  keeping  close,  to  hoist  up  a  certain 
under-garment  to  a  pole,  as  if  in  derision,  thus  betraying 
the  locaHty  of  the  cave,  and  running  the  risk  of  sacrificing 
the  whole  party  in  it.  This,  as  it  was  going  up,  caught 
the  eye  of  one  of  the  seamen  in  the  boat,  who  cried  out, 
**  There  goes  the  ensign  up  to  the  peak  at  last." 

** Where?"  exclaimed  the  major,  pulling  out  his  tele- 
scope, "  Yes,  by  heavens  !  there  it  is — and  there  then 
must  be  the  cave." 

Neither  Sir  Robert  nor  any  of  the  conspirators  were 
aware  of  this  manoeuvre  of  Moggy's ;  for  Smallbones, 
perceiving  what  she  had  done,  hauled  it  down  again  in  a 
minute  afterwards.  But  it  had  been  hoisted,  and  the  major 
considered  it  his  duty  to  return,  so  once  more  the  troop 
ascended  the  precipitous  path. 

Moggy  then  went  into  the  cave.  "They  have  found 
us  out,  sir,"  said  she,  "  they  point  to  us,  and  are  coming 
up  again.  I  will  stand  as  sentry.  The  men  won't  fire  at 
me,  and  if  they  do  I  don't  care." 

Sir  Robert  and  Ramsay  were  in  close  consultation.  It 
appeared  to  them  that  by  a  bold  manoeuvre  they  would  be 
able  to  get  out  of  their  scrape.  The  wind  had  gone  down 
altogether,  the  sea  was  as  smooth  as  glass,  and  there  was 
every  appearance  of  a  continued  calm. 

"  If  we  could  manage  it — and  I  think  we  may — then  the 
sooner  the  affair  is  brought  to  an  issue  the  better." 


388  Snarleyyow;  or, 

Moggy  had  now  taken  a  musket  on  her  shoulder,  and 
was  pacing  up  and  down  the  edge  of  the  flat  in  imitation  of 
a  sentry.  She  was  soon  pointed  out,  and  a  titter  ran 
through  the  whole  line :  at  last,  as  the  major  approached,, 
she  called  out, 

"  I  say,  soger,  what  are  you  doing  here  ?  keep  off,  or 
I'll  put  a  bullet  in  your  jacket." 

"  My  good  woman,"  replied  the  major,  while  his  men 
laughed,  "we  do  not  want  to  hurt  you,  but  you  must 
surrender." 

"  Surrender  !  "  cried  Moggy,  "  who  talks  of  surrender  ? 
— hoist  the  colours  there." 

Up  went  the  chemise  to  the  end  of  the  pole,  and  Small- 
bones  grinned  as  he  hoisted  it. 

"  My  good  woman,  we  must  obey  our  orders." 

"And  I  must  obey  mine,"  retorted  Moggy.  "Turn 
out  the  guard  there." 

All  the  women  now  made  their  appearance,  as  had  been 
arranged,  with  muskets  on  their  shoulders,  headed  by 
little  Lilly,  with  her  drawn  sword. 

The  sight  of  the  child  commanding  the  detachment 
was  hailed  with  loud  cheers  and  laughter. 

"  That  will  do,  that  will  do,"  cried  Sir  Robert,  fearful 
for  Lilly,  "  let  them  come  in  again." 

"They'll  not  fire  first  at  all  events,"  cried  Moggy, 
"never  fear,  sir.  Guard,  turn  in,"  continued  she; 
upon  which,  Lilly  and  her  squadron  then  dis- 
appeared. 

"  Upon  my  honour  this  is  too  ridiculous,"  said  Lieu- 
tenant Dillon. 

"  Upon  my  soul  I  don't  know  what  is  to  be  done," 
rejoined  the  major. 

"  Moggy,  we  must  commence  hostilities  somehow  or 
another,"  cried  Sir  Robert  from  within.  Smallbones  here 
came  out  with  his  musket  to  release  Moggy,  and  Moggy 
retired  into  the  cave. 

The  major,  who  imagined  that  there  must  be  a  path 
to  the   cave  on  the  other   side,  now  advanced  with   the 


The  Dog  Fiend  389 

determination  of  finding  it  out,  and  somehow  or  another 
putting  an  end  to  this  unusual  warfare. 

'*  If  you  please  you'll  keep  back,  or  I'll  fire,"  cried 
Smallbones,  levelling  his  musket. 

The  major  went  on,  heedless  of  the  threat.  Smallbones 
discharged  his  piece,  and  the  major  fell. 

"  Confound  that  she-devil ! — Are  you  hurt,  major  ?  " 
cried  Lieutenant  Dillon. 

"  Yes,  I  am — I  can't  move." 

Another  shot  was  now  fired,  and  the  sergeant  fell. 

**  Hell  and  flames  !  what  must  we  do  ?  " 

But  now  the  whole  party  of  smugglers  poured  out  of 
the  cave  as  women  with  bonnets  on,  and  commenced  a 
murderous  fire  upon  the  troops  who  fell  in  all  direc- 
tions. The  captain  who  had  assumed  the  command,  now 
attempted  to  find  his  way  to  the  other  side  of  the  cave, 
where  he  had  no  doubt  he  should  find  the  entrance,  but 
in  so  doing  the  soldiers  were  exposed  to  a  most  galling 
fire,  without  being  able  to  return  it. 

At  first,  the  troops  refused  to  fire  again,  for  that  they 
had  to  deal  with  the  smugglers'  wives,  they  made  certain 
of ;  even  in  the  thickest  of  the  smoke  there  was  nothing 
masculine  to  be  seen ;  and  those  troops  who  were  at  a 
greater  distance,  and  who  could  return  the  fire,  did  not. 
They  were  rather  amused  at  the  character  of  the  women, 
and  not  being  aware  that  their  comrades  were  falling  so 
fast,  remained  inactive.  But  there  is  a  limit  to  even 
gallantry,  and  as  the  wounded  men  were  carried  past 
them,  their  indignation  was  roused,  and,  at  last,  the  fire 
was  as  warmly  returned,  but  before  that  took  place,  one 
half  of  the  detachment  were  hors  de  combat. 

All  the  assistance  which  they  might  have  received  from 
the  covering  party  of  sailors  on  the  beach,  was  neutralised ; 
they  did  not  know  how  much  the  soldiers  had  suffered, 
and  although  they  fired  in  pursuance  of  orders,  they 
would  not  take  any  aim. 

For  some  time  the  soldiers  were  forced  on  to  the 
eastern  side  of  the  rock,   which,  as  the  reader  may  re- 


390  Snarleyyow;  or, 

collect,  was  much  more  precipitous  than  the  western  side, 
where  it  was  descended  from  by  the  ladder.  Here  they 
were  at  the  mercy  of  the  conspirators,  who,  concealed 
below  the  masses  of  the  rock  on  the  platform,  took  un- 
erring aim.  The  captain  had  fallen.  Lieutenant  Dillon 
was  badly  wounded  and  led  back  to  the  boats,  and  the 
command  had  devolved  upon  a  young  man  who  had  but 
just  joined  the  regiment,  and  who  was  ignorant  of  any- 
thing like  military  tactics,  even  if  they  could  have  been 
brought  into  play  upon  the  service. 

*'  Do  you  call  this  fighting  with  women.  Sergeant 
Tanner  ? "  said  one  of  the  men.  "  Fve  seen  service,  but 
such  a  murderous  fire  I  was  never  in.  Why,  we've  lost 
two-thirds  of  our  men." 

"  And  shall  lose  them  all  before  we  find  out  the  mouth 
of  this  cursed  cave.  The  regiment  has  lost  its  character 
for  ever,  and  I  don't  care  how  soon  a  bullet  settles  my 
business." 

Ramsay  now  detached  a  party  of  the  men  to  fire  at  the 
covering  party  of  seamen  who  were  standing  by  the  boats 
in  the  cove  and  who  were  unprotected,  while  his  men 
were  concealed  behind  the  masses  of  rocks.  Many  fell, 
wounded  or  killed  ;  and  Vanslyperken,  after  shifting  about 
from  one  position  to  another,  ordered  the  wounded  men 
to  be  put  into  his  boat,  and  with  two  hands  he  pulled  off 
as  he  said  to  procure  more  ammunition,  leaving  the 
remainder  of  his  detachment  on  shore,  to  do  as  well  as 
they  could. 

"I  thought  as  how  this  work  would  be  too  warm  for 
him,"  observed  Bill  Spurey. 

"  Yes,"  replied  Short,  who,  at  the  moment  received 
a  bullet  in  his  thigh,  and  fell  down  among  the  rocks. 

The  fire  upon  the  seamen  continued  to  be  effective. 
Move  from  their  post  they  did  not,  but  one  after  another 
they  sank  wounded  on  the  ground.  The  soldiers  who 
were  now  without  any  one  to  command  them,  for  those 
who  had  forced  their  way  to  the  western  side  of  the  rock, 
finding    that    advance   or    retreat   was    aHke    impossible. 


The  Dog  Fiend  391 

crawled  under  the  sides  of  the  precipice  to  retreat  from 
a  murderous  fire  which  they  could  not  return.  The  others 
were  scattered  here  and  there,  protecting  themselves  as 
well  as  they  could  below  the  masses  of  stone,  and  returning 
the  fire  of  the  conspirators  surely  and  desperately.  But 
of  the  hundred  men  sent  on  the  expedition,  there  were 
not  twenty  who  were  not  killed  or  wounded,  and  nearly 
the  whole  detachment  of  seamen  had  fallen  where  they 
stood. 

It  was  then  four  o'clock,  the  few  men  who  remained 
unhurt  were  suffering  from  the  extreme  heat  and  exertion, 
and  devoured  with  thirst.  The  wounded  cried  for  water. 
The  sea  was  still,  calm,  and  smooth  as  a  mirror;  not  a 
breath  of  wind  blew  to  cool  the  fevered  brows  of  the 
wounded  men,  and  the  cutter,  with  her  sails  hanging 
listless,  floated  about  on  the  glassy  water,  about  a  quarter 
of  a  mile  from  the  beach. 

**  Now  is  our  time,  Sir  Robert." 

"  Yes,  Ramsay — now  for  one  bold  dash — off  with  this 
woman's  gear,  my  men — buckle  on  your  swords  and  put 
pistols  in  your  belts." 

In  a  very  short  time  this  order  was  complied  with,  and, 
notwithstanding  some  of  the  men  were  wounded  in  this 
day's  affair,  as  well  as  in  the  struggle  for  the  deck  of  the 
cutter,  the  three  bands  from  Amsterdam,  Portsmouth,  and 
Cherbourg  mustered  forty  resolute  and  powerful  men. 

The  ladder  was  lowered  down,  and  they  descended. 
Sir  Robert  ordered  Jemmy  Ducks  and  Smallbones  to 
remain  and  haul  up  the  ladder  again,  and  the  whole  body 
hastened  down  to  the  cove,  headed  by  Sir  Robert  and 
Ramsay,  seized  the  boats,  and  shoved  off  for  the  cutter. 


39^  Snarleyyow;  or, 

Chapter  LI 

In  which  the  Jacobite  cause  is  triumphant  by  sea  as  well  as  by  land. 

The  great  difficulty  which  Sir  Robert  Barclay  had  to 
surmount,  was  to  find  the  means  of  transport  over  the 
channel  for  their  numerous  friends,  male  and  female,  then 
collected  in  the  cave  :  now  that  their  retreat  was  known, 
it  was  certain  that  some  effective  measures  would  be  taken 
by  government,  by  which,  if  not  otherwise  reduced,  they 
would  be  surrounded  and  starved  into  submission. 

The  two  boats  which  they  had  were  not  sufficient  for 
the  transport  of  so  numerous  a  body,  consisting  now  of 
nearly  one  hundred  and  fifty  individuals,  and  their  means 
of  subsistence  were  limited  to  a  few  days. 

The  arrival  of  the  cutter  with  the  detachments  was  no 
source  of  regret  to  Sir  Robert,  who  hoped,  by  the  defeat 
of  the  troops,  to  obtain  their  boats,  and  thus  make  his 
escape ;  but  this  would  have  been  difficult,  if  not  im- 
possible, if  the  cutter  had  been  under  command,  as  she 
carried  four  guns,  and  could  have  prevented  their  escape, 
even  if  she  did  not  destroy  the  boats ;  but  when  Sir 
Robert  observed  that  it  had  fallen  calm,  it  at  once  struck 
him,  that  if,  after  defeating  the  troops,  they  could  board 
and  carry  the  cutter,  that  all  their  difficulties  were  over : 
then  they  could  embark  the  whole  of  their  people,  and  run 
her  over  to  Cherbourg. 

This  was  the  plan  proposed  by  Sir  Robert,  and  agreed 
to  by  Ramsay,  and  to  accomplish  this,  now  that  the  troops 
were  put  to  the  rout,  they  had  made  a  rush  for,  and 
obtained  the  boats.  As  for  the  women  left  in  the  cave, 
they  were  perfectly  secure  for  the  time,  as,  without 
scaling-ladders,  there  was  no  possibility  of  the  remaining 
troops,  even  if  they  were  rallied,  being  able  to  effect 
anything. 

That  part  of  the  crew  of  the  Tungfrau  who  had  per- 
ceived them  rush  down  to  the  beach,  reported  it  to  Mr 


The  Dog  Fiend  393 

Vanslyperken,  who  had  gone  down  to  his  cabin,  not 
choosing  to  take  any  further  part  in  the  affray,  or  to  risk 
his  valuable  life.  Vanslyperken  came  on  deck,  where  he 
witnessed  the  manning  of  the  boats,  and  their  pushing  out 
of  the  cove. 

"  They  are  coming  to  attack  us,  sir,"  said  Coble,  who 
had  been  left  in  charge  of  the  cutter  when  Mr  Vansly- 
perken went  on  shore. 

Mr  Vanslyperken  turned  pale  as  a  sheet ;  his  eyes  were 
fixed  upon  the  form  of  Ramsay,  standing  up  on  the  stern- 
sheets  of  the  first  boat,  with  his  sabre  raised  in  the  air — 
he  immediately  recognised  him,  panted  for  breath,  and 
could  make  no  reply. 

The  crew  of  the  cutter,  weakened  as  they  were  by  the 
loss  of  most  of  their  best  men,  flew  to  their  arms  ;  Coble, 
Cornelius,  and  Jansen,  and  Corporal  Van  Spitter  were  to 
be  seen  in  the  advance,  encouraging  them. 

'*  Gott  for  dam — let  us  have  one  slap  for  it,"  cried 
Jansen. 

"  Mein  Gott,  yes,"  shouted  the  corporal. 

Vanslyperken  started  up.  "  It's  no  use,  my  men — it's 
madness — useless  sacrifice  of  life  ;  they  are  two  to  one — 
we  must  surrender.  Go  down  below,  all  of  you — do  you 
hear,  obey  my  orders  ?  " 

"  Yes,  and  report  them,  too,  to  the  admiral,"  replied 
Coble ;  "I  never  heard  such  an  order  given  in  my  born 
days,  and  fifty  odd  years  I  have  served  in  the  king's 
fleet." 

"  Corporal  Van  Spitter,  I  order  you  below — all  of  you 
below,"  cried  Vanslyperken ;  "  I  command  here — will  you 
obey,  sir  ?  " 

"  Mein  Gott,  yes,"  replied  the  corporal,  walking  away, 
and  coolly  descending  the  ladder. 

The  boats  were  now  within  ten  yards  of  the  cutter,  and 
the  men  stood  irresolute  ;  the  corporal  obeying  orders  had 
disheartened  them  :  some  of  them  followed  the  corporal. 

"  It's  no  use,"  said  Coble,  "  I  sees  now  it's  of  no  use  ; 
it's  only  being  cut  to  pieces  for  nothing,  my  men  5  but 


394  Snarleyyow;  or, 

I  won't  leave  the  deck."  Coble  threw  away  his  cutlass, 
and  walked  aft ;  the  other  men  did  the  same,  all  but 
Jansen,  who  still  hesitated.  Coble  caught  the  cutlass  out 
of  his  hand,  and  threw  it  overboard,  just  as  the  boats 
dashed  alongside. 

"  Gott  for  dam,"  muttered  Jansen,  folding  his  arms  and 
facing  the  men  who  jumped  on  the  cutter's  decks. 
Ramsay,  who  was  first  on  board  when  he  perceived  that 
the  men  were  standing  on  the  decks  without  making  any 
opposition,  turned  and  threw  up  the  points  of  the  swords 
of  some  of  his  men  who  were  rushing  blindly  on,  and,  in 
a  minute  all  was  quiet  on  the  decks  of  the  Tungfrau.  Mr 
Vanslyperken  was  not  to  be  seen.  At  the  near  approach 
of  the  boats  he  had  hastened  into  his  cabin  and  locked 
himself  in ;  his  only  feeling  being,  that  Ramsay's  wrath 
must  cool,  and  his  life  be  spared. 

"  My  lads,"  said  Sir  Robert  to  the  crew  of  the  cutter, 
"  I  am  very  glad  that  you  made  no  resistance  to  a  force 
which  you  could  not  resist,  as  I  should  have  been  sorry  if 
one  of  you  had  lost  his  life  ;  but  you  must  now  go  down 
below  and  leave  the  cutter's  deck  in  our  possession.  Per- 
haps it  would  be  better  if  some  of  you  took  one  of  your 
boats  and  went  on  shore  to  pick  up  your  messmates  who 
are  wounded." 

"  If  you  please,  sir,  we  will,"  said  Coble,  coming  for- 
ward, "  and  the  cutter  is  yours,  as  far  as  we  are  concerned. 
We  will  make  no  attempts  to  retake  her,  at  all  events,  for 
your  kindness  in  thinking  of  our  poor  fellows  lying  there 
on  the  beach.  I  think  you  will  promise  that,  my  lads," 
continued  Coble,  turning  to  the  men. 

**  Yes,  we  promise  that,"  said  the  men. 

Coble  then  took  the  crew  with  him  and  pulled  on  shore 
to  the  cove,  on  the  margin  of  which  they  found  all  their 
men  lying  either  killed  or  wounded.  Dick  Short,  Spurey, 
and  nine  others  were  taken  on  board :  those  that  were 
quite  dead  were  left  upon  the  sand.  Leaving  only  ten 
men  on  board  the  cutter,  which,  however,  was  sufficient 
to  cope  with  the  few  of  the  Tungfrau  remaining  on  board, 


The  Dog  Fiend  395 

had  they  been  inclined  to  forfeit  their  word,  Sir  Robert 
and  Ramsay  then  returned  with  the  rest  of  the  party  to 
the  boats,  and  pulled  on  shore,  for  the  rest  of  their 
assailants  were  not  subdued ;  about  twenty  of  the  soldiers 
still  remained  unhurt  and  were  sitting  down  on  the 
rocks. 

Ramsay,  as  soon  as  he  landed,  showed  a  white  handker- 
chief on  a  bayonet  fixed  to  the  muzzle  of  a  musket. 

** Sergeant  Tanner,"  said  one  of  the  men,  "there's  a 
flag  of  truce." 

"  Is  there  ?  I'm  not  sorry  for  it, — they  are  two  to  one 
even  now.     I'll  go  forward  to  meet  it.'* 

The  sergeant  advanced  to  meet  Ramsay. 

**  "We  might,  if  we  pleased,  oblige  you  to  surrender  or 
cut  you  to  pieces — that  you  must  own ;  but  we  have  no 
wish  to  hurt  you — there  are  too  many  good  men  dead 
already." 

"  That's  true,"  replied  the  sergeant,  "  but  it's  one 
comfort  you  have  turned  out  at  last  to  be  men  and  not 
women." 

''We  have  ;  but  to  the  terms.  You  were  sent  to  take 
possession  of  the  cave, — you  shall  have  possession  as  soon 
as  we  are  gone,  if  you  will  draw  off  your  party  higher  up 
this  cliff  and  allow  us  to  embark  without  molestation.  If  you 
do  not  immediately  accept  these  terms,  we  shall  certainly 
attack  you,  or  you  may  do  better  if  you  please — pile  your 
muskets,  collect  your  wounded  men,  bring  them  down  to 
the  beach  all  ready  to  put  into  the  boats,  which,  as  soon  as 
we  are  safe,  we  will  give  you  possession  of — now  is  it  a 
truce  or  not  ? — you  must  be  immediate." 

"  Yes,  then,  it  is  a  truce,  for  I  see  no  chance  of  better 
terms.  I  am  commanding  officer,  and  you  have  the  faith 
of  Sergeant  Tanner." 

The  sergeant  then  returned,  and  when  half  way,  called 
to  his  men : 

"  Party  fall  in — pile  arms."  The  soldiers,  worn  out  by 
the  long  conflict,  and  aware  that  they  had  no  chance 
against  such  superior  numbers,  gladly  obeyed,  and  were 


39^  Snarleyyow;  or, 

now  divided  in  sections  of  three  and  four,  collecting  the 
wounded  and  carrying  them  down  to  the  cove. 

Sir  Robert  and  his  men  hastened  to  the  rock — the  ladder 
was  lowered,  and  all  was  on  the  alert  for  embarkation — 
Lady  Barclay  and  Lilly  flew  into  his  arms,  while  Wilhelmina 
hung  on  Ramsay ;  but  they  allowed  but  a  short  time  for 
endearment — time  was  too  precious.  The  luggage  had 
all  been  prepared  and  the  chests  of  specie  were  lowered, 
the  bundles  thrown  down,  and,  in  a  quarter  of  an  hour, 
the  cave  was  cleared  of  all  that  they  could  take  away  with 
them. 

The  women  then  descended,  and  all  hands  were 
employed  carrying  away  the  specie  and  luggage  down  to 
the  boats.  As  soon  as  one  boat  was  loaded  with  the 
boxes  of  money.  Lady  Ramsay,  Lilly,  and  Wilhelmina 
were  put  in  it,  and  one  half  of  the  men  went  with  them  on 
board  of  the  cutter  where  Coble  had  already  arrived  with 
the  wounded  seamen.  Ramsay  remained  with  the  other 
boat  to  embark  the  women  and  luggage ;  when  all  was  in, 
he  called  the  sergeant,  pointed  out  to  him  the  ladder,  and 
told  him  that  he  might  find  something  worth  his  trouble  in 
the  cave. 

"Is  there  a  drop  of  anything  to  drink,  sir  ?  for  we  who 
are  whole  are  dying  with  thirst,  and  it's  cruel  to  hear  the 
poor  wounded  fellows  beg  for  water." 

"  You  will  find  both  water  and  spirits  in  plenty  there, 
sergeant,  and  you  may  tell  your  own  story  when  you 
arrive  at  Portsmouth,  we  shall  never  contradict  you." 

"  The  list  of  killed,  wounded,  and  missing,  will  tell  the 
story  fast  enough,"  replied  the  sergeant ;  "  but  run  up 
there,  my  lads,  and  get  some  water  for  these  poor  fellows. 
Good-bye,  sir,  and  many  thanks." 

**  Good-bye  to  you,  Sergeant  Tanner,"  said  one  of  the 
women  in  the  boat. 

"  Nancy  Corbett,  by  all  that's  wonderful ! "  cried  the 
sergeant. 

"I  told  you  so,  sergeant — you'll  never  lose  the  name  of 
lady-killer." 


The  Dog  Fiend  397 

"Pretty  lady  killing,"  muttered  the  sergeant,  turning 
away  in  a  rage.  Ramsay  took  the  boats  on  board,  and, 
as  soon  as  they  were  cleared,  they  were  towed  on  shore  to 
the  cove  by  some  of  the  OTungfrau's  men. 

During  this  time  the  ladies,  as  well  as  the  women,  had 
remained  aft  on  deck,  Vanslyperken  having  locked  himself 
up  in  his  cabin ;  but  Sir  Robert  now  ordered  his  men  to 
force  the  cabin  door,  and  take  Mr  Vanslyperken  forward 
on  the  lower  deck.  When  the  door  was  opened,  Vansly- 
perken was  found  in  his  bed  more  dead  than  alive :  he  was 
pulled  out  and  dragged  forward.  The  ladies  were  then 
handed  below,  and,  as  soon  as  the  specie  had  been  put 
down,  and  the  luggage  cleared  from  the  upper  deck,  the 
women  were  ordered  to  go  down  on  the  lower  deck,  and 
Mr  Vanslyperken  ordered  to  be  brought  up. 


Chapter   LII 

In  which  a  great  deal  of  loyalty  is  shown  to  counterbalance  the  treason  of 
Vanslyperken, 

We  must  not,  however,  forget  the  syndic  and  the  widow 
Vandersloosh,  whom  we  left  in  confinement  at  Amsterdam. 
We  left  Mynheer  Krause  smoking  his  pipe,  and  showing 
to  those  about  him  how  great  a  great  man  always  proves 
himself  when  under  adversity.  The  widow  also,  had  she 
performed  in  public,  would  have  been  acknowledged  to 
have  been  a  great  woman.  She  could  not  but  lament 
the  present,  for  she  was  on  the  floor  of  a  dungeon,  so 
she  occasionally  wrung  her  hands  j  but  she  looked  forward 
to  the  future,  and  to  better  times,  not  abandoning  herself 
to  despair,  but  comforting  herself  with  hope,  as  might 
have  been  clearly  proved  by  her  constant  repetition  of 
these  words :  "  Well,  well,  Mr  Vanslyperken,  we  shall 
see." 

That  the  night  appeared  long  to  both  parties  is  not  to 
be  denied,  but  the  longest  night  will  have  its  end,  so 


39 S  Snarleyyow;  or, 

long  as  the  world  continues  to  turn  round;  the  con- 
sequence was,  that  the  morning  came  as  usual  to  the 
syndic,  although  the  widow  from  the  peculiarity  of  her 
situation,  had  not  the  same  advantage. 

After  morning,  comes  breakfast,  in  the  natural  order 
of  mundane  affairs,  and  kings,  being  but  men,  and  subject 
to  the  same  wants  as  other  mortals,  his  Majesty,  King 
William,  sat  down,  and  despatched  a  very  hasty  meal, 
in  company  with  his  Grace  the  Duke  of  Portland,  and 
the  Right  Honourable  the  Lord  Albemarle.  History 
does  not  record,  as  it  sometimes  does  in  works  of  this 
description,  by  what  viands  his  Majesty's  appetite  was 
stimulated;  we  must  therefore  pass  it  over,  and  as  his 
Majesty  did  on  that  occasion,  as  soon  as  breakfast  was 
over,  proceed  to  business. 

"  Have  you  received  information,  my  Lord  Albemarle, 
how  many  of  the  conspirators  have  been  seized  ? " 

"May  it  please  your  Majesty,  I  am  sorry  to  inform 
you,  that  all  who  were  innocent  have  been  imprisoned, 
and  all  who  were  guilty,  have  escaped." 

Upon  this  intelligence  his  Majesty  looked  very  grave. 

"  How  do  you  mean,  my  lord  ? "  said  he,  after  a  pause. 

"The  conspirators  have  all  received  some  friendly 
notice,  and  the  only  two  who  are  in  custody  are  the 
syndic.  Mynheer  Krause,  and  the  woman  who  keeps  the 
Lust  Haus." 

"  And  you  put  the  syndic  down  as  an  innocent  person, 
my  lord?" 

**  If  your  Majesty  will  be  pleased  to  read  this  communi- 
cation," replied  Lord  Albemarle,  presenting  Ramsay's 
letter  and  enclosures,  "  you  will  then  be  of  my  opinion." 

King  William  took  the  letter  and  read  it.  "What 
Ramsay — he  who  was  attainted  with  Sir  Robert  Barclay  ?  " 

"  The  same,  your  Majesty." 

"So  near  us,  and  escaped — but  what  credence  would 
you  place  in  him  ? " 

"  Every  credence,  may  it  please  your  Majesty.  I  believe 
him  to  be  incapable  of  a  lie." 


The  Dog  Fiend  399 

'*  A  traitor,  like  him  !  " 

**  A  traitor  to  your  Majesty,  but  most  true  to  his 
Cathohc  Majesty,  King  James  that  was.  But  if  I  venture 
to  point  out  to  your  Majesty,  the  enclosures  prove  that 
Lieutenant  Vanslyperken's  word  is  not  of  much  value. 
He,  at  least,  is  a  double  traitor." 

"  Yes,  a  little  hanging  will  do  him  no  harm — you  are 
sure  this  is  his  writing  ? " 

"There  can  be  no  doubt  of  it,  your  Majesty,  I  have 
compared  it." 

'*  You  will  see  to  this,  my  lord :  and  now  to  the 
syndic." 

"  He  has,  as  your  Majesty  will  perceive,  been  grossly 
deceived,  and  suspected  without  reason." 

"  And  the  woman  ? " 

"Was  here  yesterday,  and  fully  convinced  me  that 
Vanslyperken  was  a  traitor,  and  that  she  was  innocent. 
His  Grace  of  Portland  was  present." 

"  Well,  my  lord,  you  may  give  orders  for  their  release  5 
of  course  a  little  surveillance  will  be  advisable.  You  will 
justify  the  proceedings  to  the  council,  this  afternoon." 

"But  may  I  presume  to  submit  to  your  Majesty,  that 
the  public  aifiront  offered  to  the  syndic  should  be  re- 
paired." 

**  Certainly — send  for  him,"  replied  his  Majesty,  care- 
lessly. "I  will  receive  him  to-morrow  morning,"  and 
his  Majesty  left  the  room. 

Lord  Albemarle  immediately  despatched  a  courier  with 
an  order  for  the  release  of  the  syndic  and  the  Frau 
Vandersloosh,  with  a  note  to  the  former,  stating  that 
his  Majesty  would  receive  him  on  the  following  day 
at  noon.  But  while  this  act  of  justice  had  been  pre- 
paring at  the  palace  of  the  Hague,  there  were  other 
acts,  not  quite  so  justifiable  performing  at  the  town  of 
Amsterdam. 

The  sun  made  its  appearance  more  than  an  hour,  before 
the  troops  of  the  royal  Guard.  Mobs  were  collected  in 
knots  in  the  street,  and  in  front  of  the  Hotel  de  Ville,  or 


400  Snarleyyow ;  or, 

Stadt  House,  and  the  object  of  their  meeting,  was  to 
canvas  the  treason  and  imprisonment  of  the  syndic, 
Mynheer  Van  Krause.  "  Shame — shame," — **  Death  to 
the  traitor," — "Tear  him  to  pieces," — and  "Long  life 
to  King  William,"  were  the  first  solitary  remarks  made — 
the  noise  and  hubbub  increased.  The  small  knots  of 
people  gradually  joined  together,  until  they  formed  a 
large  mob,  all  burning  with  loyalty,  and  each  individual 
wishing  to  give  a  practical  evidence  of  it — again  were 
the  cries  of  "  Long  live  the  King ! "  and  "  Death  to 
traitors  ! "  to  be  heard,  with  loud  huzzas.  A  confused 
din  followed,  and  the  mob  appeared,  as  if  simultaneously, 
to  be  all  impelled  in  one  direction.  At  last  the  word 
was  given,  which  they  all  waited  for.  "  To  his  house — 
to  his  house — down  with  it — death  to  the  traitor ! "  and 
the  loyal  mob  hastened  on,  each  individual  eager  to  be 
first  to  prove  his  loyalty,  by  helping  himself  to  Mynheer 
Krause's  goods  and  chattels. 

In  the  low  countries,  this  species  of  loyalty  always  has 
been,  and  is  now  very  much  the  fashion.  In  ten  minutes, 
the  gates  were  forced  open — old  Koop  knocked  down, 
and  trod  under  foot  till  he  was  dead — every  article  of 
value  that  was  portable,  was  secured ;  chairs,  tables, 
glasses,  not  portable,  were  thrown  out  of  the  window ; 
Wilhelmina's  harp  and  pianoforte  battered  to  fragments  ; 
beds,  bedding,  everything  flew  about  in  the  air,  and  then 
the  fragments  of  the  furniture  were  set  fire  to,  and  in 
less  than  an  hour  Mynheer  Krause's  splendid  house  was 
burning  furiously,  while  the  mob  cheered  and  cried, 
"  Long  live  Kling  William  !  " 

Before  the  courier  could  arrive  from  the  Hague,  all  that 
was  left  of  Mr  Krause's  property  was  the  bare  walls. 
Merchandises,  everything  was  consumed,  and  part  of  the 
building  had  fallen  into  the  canal  and  choked  it  up,  while 
fifteen  schuyts  waiting  to  be  discharged  of  their  cargoes 
had  been  obliged  to  retreat  from  the  fury  of  the  flames, 
the  phlegmatic  skippers  looking  on  with  their  pipes  in  their 
mouths,  and  their  hands  in  their  wide  breeches-pockets. 


The  Dog  Fiend  401 

The  loyal  mob  having  effected  their  object,  gradually 
retired.  It  is  singular,  that  popular  feeling  is  always 
expressed  in  the  same  way.  Had  the  mob  collected  for 
disloyal  purposes,  they  would  have  shown  their  disloyalty 
just  in  the  Hke  manner,  only  it  would  have  been  the  Stadt 
House  instead  of  that  of  Mynheer  Krause. 

But  now  there  was  a  fresh  impetus  given  to  the  feelings 
of  the  mob.  The  news  had  been  spread  like  wildfire, 
that  Mynheer  the  syndic  had  been  proved  innocent,  and 
ordered  to  be  immediately  liberated,  and  was  sent  for  by 
his  Majesty;  upon  which,  the  mob  were  undecided, 
whether  they  should  prove  their  indignation,  at  this  unjust 
imprisonment  of  their  worthy  magistrate,  by  setting  fire 
to  some  public  building,  or  by  carrying  him  in  triumph 
to  his  own  house,  which  they  forgot  they  had  burnt  down. 
Fortunately  they  decided  upon  the  latter,  they  surrounded 
the  Stadt  House  with  cries  of  **  Long  life  to  our  worthy 
syndic — prosperity  to  Mynheer  Krause,"  and  rushing  up 
stairs,  they  caught  him  in  their  arms,  and  carried  him 
triumphantly  through  the  streets  bringing  him  at  last  to 
the  smoking  ruins  of  his  own  house,  and  there  they  left 
him ;  they  had  done  all  they  could,  they  had  carried  him 
there  in  triumph,  but,  as  for  building  the  house  up  again, 
that  was  impossible  j  so,  as  Mynheer  Krause  looked  with 
dismay  at  the  wreck  of  all  his  property,  the  loyal  mob 
dispersed,  each  feeling  that  he  had  been  a  little  too  hasty 
in  possessing  himself  of  a  small  share  of  it.  What  a  fine 
thing  is  loyalty  !  Mynheer  Krause  found  himself  alone  ; 
he  looked  with  scorn  and  indignation  upon  the  scene  of 
violence,  and  then  walked  away  to  an  hotel,  particularly 
disgusted  with  the  loyal  cry  of  "Long  live  King 
WilHam." 

In  the  meantime,  the  door  of  the  dungeon  where  the 
widow  Vandersloosh  was  incarcerated  was  thrown  open, 
and  she  was  informed  that  she  was  no  longer  a  prisoner. 
The  widow  indignant  that  she  should  have  been  confined 
for  her  loyalty,  raved  and  walked  majestically  out  of  the 
Stadt  House,  not  deigning  to  answer  to  the  compliments 
s  2  c 


402  Snarl  eyyow;  or, 

oiFered  to  her  by  some  of  the  inferior  officers.  Her 
bosom  swelled  with  indignation,  and  she  was  determined 
to  tell  his  Majesty  a  bit  of  her  mind,  if  she  should  obtain 
access  to  him ;  and  the  next  day  she  took  the  trouble  to 
go  all  the  way  to  the  Hague,  again  to  see  his  Majesty,  but 
his  Majesty  wasn't  at  home,  and  Lord  Albemarle  to  whom 
she  sent  in,  was  indisposed,  and  his  Grace  the  Duke  of 
Portland  was  particularly  engaged ;  so  the  widow  had  the 
journey  for  nothing,  and  she  declared  to  Babette,  that 
she  never  would  put  her  foot  under  the  palace  roof  again 
as  long  as  she  lived. 

But,  although  Madam  Vandersloosh  was  not  received 
at  court  that  day,  the  syndic  Mynheer  Krause  was ;  when 
he  sent  in  his  name.  Lord  Albemarle  led  the  syndic  by  the 
hand  to  his  Majesty. 

"  We  have  been  too  hasty,  Mynheer  Krause,"  said  his 
Majesty,  with  a  gracious  smile. 

Mynheer  bowed  low. 

"I  regret  to  hear  that  the  populace  in  their  loyalty 
have  burnt  down  your  house,  Mr  Krause — they  were  too 
hasty." 

Mynheer  Krause  made  another  low  bow. 

"  You  will  continue  your  office  of  syndic  of  the  town  of 
Amsterdam." 

"  Pardon  me,  your  Majesty,"  replied  Mynheer  Krause 
respectfully,  but  firmly,  "  I  have  obeyed  your*  summons  to 
appear  in  your  presence,  but  will  request  that  your 
Majesty  will  release  me  from  the  burden.  I  have  come 
to  lay  my  chain  and  staff  of  office  at  your  Majesty's  feet, 
it  being  my  intention  to  quit  the  town." 

"  You  are  too  hasty.  Mynheer  Krause,"  replied  his 
Majesty  with  displeasure. 

**  May  it  please  your  Majesty,"  replied  Krause.  "  He 
who  has  been  confined  as  a  prisoner  in  the  Stadt  House, 
is  not  fit  to  exercise  his  duties  there  as  a  judge ;  I  have 
served  your  Majesty  many  years  with  the  utmost  zeal  and 
fidelity.  In  return,  I  have  been  imprisoned  and  my 
property  destroyed,  I  must  now  return  to  a  station  more 


The  Dog  Fiend  403 

suitable  to  my  present  condition,  and  once  more  with 
every  assurance  of  loyalty,  I  beg  to  be  permitted  to  lay 
my  insignia  of  office  at  your  Majesty's  feet." 

Mynheer  Krause  suited  the  action  to  the  word.  The 
king  frowned  and  turned  away  to  the  window,  and 
Mynheer  Krause  perceiving  that  his  Majesty's  back  was 
turned  upon  him,  walked  out  of  the  door. 

**  Too  hasty,"  thought  Mynheer  Krause,  "  I  am  loyal 
and  thrown  into  prison,  and  am  expected  to  be  satisfied 
with  the  plea  of  being  too  hasty.  My  house  is  burnt 
down,  and  the  plundering  mob  have  been  too  hasty. 
"Well — well — it  is  fortunate  I  took  Ramsay's  advice,  my 
house  and  what  was  in  it  was  a  trifle ;  but  if  all  my  gold 
at  Hamburgh  and  Frankfort,  and  in  the  charge  of  Ramsay 
had  been  there,  and  I  had  been  made  a  beggar,  all  the 
satisfaction  I  should  have  received  would  have  been  a 
smile,  and  the  excuse  of  being  too  hasty.  I  wonder  where 
my  daughter  and  Ramsay  are  ?     I  long  to  join  them." 

From  which  mental  soliloquy,  it  will  be  evident  to  the 
reader,  that  Mynheer  Krause's  loyalty  had  been  consider- 
ably diminished,  perhaps  thinking  that  he  had  paid  too 
dear  for  the  commodity. 

Upon  his  return,  Mynheer  Krause  publicly  announced 
that  he  had  resigned  the  office  of  syndic,  much  to  the 
astonishment  of  those  who  heard  of  it,  and  much  to  the 
delight  of  his  very  particular  friend  Engelback,  who,  the 
next  morning  set  off  for  the  Hague,  and  had  an  interview 
with  his  Grace  the  Duke  of  Portland,  the  result  of  which 
was,  that  upon  grounds  best  known  to  the  parties ;  for 
history  will  not  reveal  everything.  Mynheer  Engelback 
was  recommended  to  fill  the  office  of  syndic  of  the  town 
of  Amsterdam,  vacant  by  the  resignation  of  Mynheer 
Krause ;  and  that  in  consequence  of  this,  all  those  who 
took  off  their  hats  to  Mynheer  Krause  but  two  days 
before,  and  kept  them  on  when  they  met  Mynheer 
Engelback,  now  kept  them  on  when  they  met  Mynheer 
Krause,  and  pulled  them  off  very  politely  to  Mynheer 
Krause's  very  particular  friend.  Mynheer  Engelback. 


404  Snarleyyow;  or, 

Chapter  LIII 

Trial  and  execution  of  two  of  the  principal  personages  in  our  history. 

We  left  Sir  Robert  Barclay  on  the  deck  of  the  cutter^ 
the  ladies  and  women  sent  down  below,  and  Mr  Vansly- 
perken  on  the  point  of  being  dragged  aft  by  two  of  Sir 
Robert's  men.  The  crew  of  the  Tungfrau,  at  the  time, 
were  on  the  lower  deck,  some  assisting  the  wounded 
men,  others  talking  with  Jemmy  Salisbury  and  his  wife,, 
whom  they  were  astonished  to  find  among  the  assailants. 

"  Why,  Jemmy,  how  did  you  get  a  berth  among  those 
chaps?" 

"I'll  tell  you,"  said  Moggy,  interrupting:  "when  he 
was  last  at  Portsmouth,  they  heard  him  playing  his  fiddle 
and  singing,  and  they  took  such  a  fancy  to  him,  that  they 
were  determined  to  have  him  to  amuse  them  in  the  cave. 
So  one  evening,  they  kidnapped  him,  took  him  away  by 
main  force,  and  kept  him  a  prisoner  ever  since." 

"  That's  carrying  the  joke  rather  too  far,"  observed  one 
of  the  men. 

"  Mein  Gott !  yes,"  replied  the  corporal. 

"  But  I  am  at  liberty  again  now  at  all  events,"  replied 
Jemmy,  taking  the  cue  from  his  wife  ;  "  and  if  that  chap, 
Vanslyperken,  don't  command  the  cutter  any  more,  which 
I've  a  notion  he  will  not,  I  shall  enter  as  boatswain — heh, 
Dick." 

"  Yes,"  replied  Short,  who  was  swinging  in  his 
hammock. 

"  Well — when  I  found  that  Jemmy  couldn't  be  found, 
that  my  dear  darling  duck  of  a  husband — my  jewel,  a  box 
of  diamonds  (arn't  you  my  Jemmy),  didn't  I  tear  my  hair, 
and  run  about  the  streets,  like  a  mad  woman,"  continued 
Moggy.  "At  last  I  met  with  Nancy  Corbett,  whose 
husband  is  one  of  the  gang,  and  she  told  me  where  he 
was,  fiddle  and  all,  and  I  persuaded  her  to  let  me  go  to 
him,  and  that's  why  we  both  are  here." 


The  Dog  Fiend  405 

This  was  a  good  invention  of  Moggy's,  and  as  there 
"was  nobody  who  took  the  trouble  to  disprove  it,  it  was 
received  as  not  the  least  apocryphal.  But  now  Mr  Vansly- 
perken  was  dragged  past  them  by  two  of  the  conspirators, 
and  all  the  men  of  the  Tungfrau  followed  on  deck,  to  see 
ivhat  was  to  take  place. 

When  Mr  Vanslyperken  had  been  brought  aft,  his 
legs  tottered,  and  he  could  hardly  stand.  His  face  was 
livid,  and  his  lips  white  with  fear,  and  he  knew  too  well 
that  he  had  little  mercy  to  expect. 

"Now,  sir,"  said  Sir  Robert,  with  a  stern  air,  *'hear 
the  accusation  against  you,  for  although  we  may  be  law- 
less, we  will  still  be  just.  You  voluntarily  entered  into 
our  service,  and  received  our  pay.  You  were  one  of 
us,  with  only  this  difference,  that  we  have  taken  up  the 
cause  from  principle  and  loyalty,  and  you  joined  us  from 
mercenary  motives.  Still  we  kept  our  faith  with  you ; 
for  every  service  performed,  you  were  well  and  honour- 
ably paid.  But  you  received  our  money  and  turned 
against  us ;  revealed  our  secrets,  and  gave  information 
to  your  government,  by  which  that  gentleman "  (pointing 
to  Ramsay)  "  and  many  others,  had  not  they  fortunately 
received  timely  notice,  would  have  perished  by  the  gibbet. 
Now,  sir,  I  wish  to  know,  what  you  can  bring  forward 
in  your  defence,  what  have  you  to  urge  that  you  should 
not  die  the  death  which  you  so  traitorously  prepared  for 
others." 

"  Die  !  "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken,  "  no — no — mercy,  sir 
— mercy.     I  am  not  fit  to  die." 

**  Few  are — but  this  is  certain — that  a  villain  like  you  is 
not  fit  to  live." 

"  On  my  knees,  I  ask  mercy,"  cried  the  frightened 
wretch,  dropping  down.  "  Mr  Ramsay,  speak  for 
me. 

"  I  will  speak,"  replied  Ramsay,  **  but  not  for  you,  I  will 
show  you,  that  even  if  you  were  to  escape  us,  you  would 
still  be  hung ;  for  all  your  extracts  of  the  despatches,  I 
have,  with  full  explanation,  put   into   the   hands  of  the 


4o6  Snarleyyow;  or, 

English  government.  Do  you  expect  mercy  from  them— 
they  have  not  showed  much  as  yet." 

**  O  God — O  God  !  "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken,  throwing 
himself  down  on  the  deck  in  despair. 

**Now,  my  lads,  you  have  heard  the  charges  against 
this  man,  and  also  that  he  has  no  defence  to  offer,  what  is 
your  sentence  ? " 

"  Death  !  "  exclaimed  the  conspirators. 

"  You  men,  belonging  to  the  cutter,  you  have  heard 
that  this  man  has  betrayed  the  present  government  of 
England,  in  whose  pay  and  service  he  was  at  the  time — 
what  is  your  opinion  ?  " 

Hereupon,  Obadiah  Coble  hitched  up  his  trousers,  and 
said,  "  Why,  as  a  matter  of  opinion,  I  agrees  with  you,  sir^ 
whomsoever  you  may  be." 

**  Mein  Gott !  yes,  sir,"  exclaimed  the  corporal. 

And  all  the  crew  cried  out  together,  "  Death — death  !  " 
which,  by-the-bye,  was  very  mutinous. 

"  You  perceive  that  you  are  doubly  condemned  as  a 
double  traitor,"  said  Sir  Robert.  "  So  prepare  to  die  ;  the 
religion  you  profess  I  know  not,  but  the  time  you  will  be 
allowed  to  make  your  peace  with  your  God  is  fifteen 
minutes." 

**  Oh  !  "  groaned  Vanslyperken,  with  his  face  to  the  deck. 

"  Up  there,  my  lads,  and  get  a  whip  on  the  yard-arm," 
said  Ramsay. 

Some  of  his  party  went  to  obey  the  order,  and  they  were 
assisted  by  the  seamen  of  the  Tungfrau.  But  while  they 
were  getting  the  whip  ready  on  the  starboard.  Jemmy 
Ducks  was  very  quietly  employed  getting  another  on  the 
larboard  yard-arm,  which  nobody  took  notice  of. 

As  soon  as  the  whip,  and  the  cord  with  the  hangman's 
noose  made  fast  to  it,  were  all  ready,  it  was  reported  to  Sir 
Robert  by  Corporal  Van  Spitter,  who  stepped  up  to  him 
with  his  usual  military  salute.  Sir  Robert  took  off  his  hat 
in  return.  His  watch  had  been  held  in  his  hand,  from  the 
time  that  he  had  passed  sentence  upon  Vanslyperken,  who 
still  remained  prostrate  on  the  deck. 


The  Dog  Fiend  407 

"  It  is  my  duty  to  inform  you,  sir,  that  but  five  minutes 
are  left  of  the  time  awarded  to  you,"  said  Sir  Robert  to 
Vanslyperken. 

**  Five  minutes  !  "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken,  jumping  up 
from  the  deck,  "  but  five  minutes — to  die  in  five  minutes," 
continued  he,  looking  up  with  horror  at  the  rope  at  the 
yard-arm,  and  the  fatal  noose  at  the  end  of  it,  held  in  the 
hand  of  Corporal  Van  Spitter.  "  Stop,  I  have  gold — 
plenty  of  gold — I  can  purchase  my  life." 

"  Kingdoms  would  not  purchase  it,"  said  Sir  Robert, 
scornfully. 

"  Oh  !  "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken,  wringing  his  hands, 
"  must  I  leave  all  my  gold  ?  " 

"  You  have  but  two  minutes,  sir,"  observed  Sir  Robert. 
**  Let  the  rope  be  put  round  his  neck." 

This  office  was  performed  by  Corporal  Van  Spitter. 
The  corporal  was  quite  an  amateur. 

"  Mercy,  mercy,"  cried  Vanslyperken,  again  falling  on 
his  knees,  and  holding  up  his  hands. 

"  Call  upon  Heaven  for  mercy,  you  have  but  one  minute 
left." 

But  here  an  interruption  took  place. 

A  female  made  her  appearance  on  the  other  side  of  the 
deck,  dragging,  by  a  cord,  the  hero  of  our  novel,  Snarley- 
yow,  who  held  back  with  all  his  power,  jerking  his  head 
to  the  right  and  to  the  left,  but  it  was  of  no  use,  he  was 
dragged  opposite  to  where  Vanslyperken  knelt.  As  the 
reader  may  guess,  this  person  was  Smallbones,  who  had 
tied  on  a  bonnet,  and  muffled  up  his  face,  so  as  not  to  be 
observed  when  he  first  went  on  board.  Jemmy  Ducks 
now  assisted,  and  the  whip  on  the  larboard  yard-arm  was 
made  fast  to  a  cord  with  a  running  noose,  for  the  hanging 
of  the  cur. 

The  sight  roused  Vanslyperken.  **My  dog ! "  exclaimed 
he,  "  woman,  leave  that  dog  alone — who  are  you  that  dare 
touch  my  dog  ? " 

The  female  turned  round,  threw  off  her  bonnet  and 
handkerchief  and  exhibited  to  the  terrified  lieutenant,  the 
face  of  the  supposed  departed  Smallbones. 


40  8  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"  Smallbones  !  "  exclaimed  the  crew  of  the  Tung f ran  in 
a  breath. 

**  God  of  mercy — help  me,  God  of  mercy  !  "  cried 
Vanslyperken,  aghast. 

**I  suppose  that  you  do  come  for  to  go  to  know  me 
now,  anyhow,"  said  Smallbones. 

"Hath  the  sea  given  up  its  dead?"  replied  Vansly- 
perken, in  a  hollow  voice. 

**No,  it  arn't,  'cause  why?  I  never  was  a  drowned," 
replied  Smallbones  ;  "  no  thanks  to  you,  though ;  but  if 
so  be  as  I  supposes,  you  be  a  going  to  be  hung — as  I'm  a 
good  Christian,  I'll  forgive  you — that  is,  if  you  be  hung, 
you  know." 

Vanslyperken,  who  now  perceived  that  Smallbones  had 
been  by  some  miracle  preserved,  recovered  himself. 

"  If  you  forgive  me,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  "  then  pray 
do  not  ill-treat  my  dog." 

"  I'se  not  forgiven  him,  anyhow — I  owes  him  enough, 
and  now  I'll  have  his  account  settled,  by  gum.  When  you 
goes  up  there,  he  goes  up  here,  as  sure  as  I'm  Peter 
Smallbones." 

"  Be  merciful  !  "  exclaimed  Vanslyperken,  who,  strange 
to  say,  forgot  his  own  miseries  in  pleading  for  his  darling 
cur. 

**  He  be  a  convicted  traitor,  and  he  shall  die,  by  gum ! " 
cried  Smallbones,  smacking  his  fist  into  the  palm  of  his 
hand. 

During  the  conversation,  the  time  allotted  to  Vansly- 
perken had  long  expired,  but  the  interest  occasioned  by  it 
had  inclined  Sir  Robert  to  wait  till  it  was  over. 

**  Enough,"  cried  Sir  Robert,  **  your  time  is  too  long 
expired.  Commend  your  soul  to  God — let  the  rope  be 
manned." 

"  Now  Jemmy,  stand  by  to  toddle  forward,"  cried 
Smallbones. 

"  One  moment — I  ask  but  one  moment,"  cried  Vansly- 
perken, much  agitated,  "only  one  moment,  sir." 

"  For  what  ?  " 


The  Dog  Fiend  409 

**  To  kiss  my  poor  dog,"  replied  Vanslyperken,  bursting 
into  tears  ;  strange  and  almost  ridiculous  as  was  the 
appeal,  there  was  a  seriousness  and  a  pathos  in  Vansly- 
perken's  words  and  manner,  which  affected  those  who 
were  present  like  a  gleam  of  sunshine,  this  one  feeling 
which  was  unalloyed  with  baser  metal  shone  upon  the  close 
of  a  worthless  and  wicked  life.  Sir  Robert  nodded  his  head, 
and  Vanslyperken  walked  with  his  rope  round  his  neck 
over  to  where  the  dog  was  held  by  Smallbones,  bent  over 
the  cur  and  kissed  it  again  and  again. 

"  Enough,"  cried  Sir  Robert,  "  bring  him  back." 

Corporal  Van  Spitter  took  hold  of  Vanslyperken  by  the 
arm,  and  dragged  him  to  the  other  side  of  the  deck.  The 
unfortunate  wretch  was  wholly  absorbed  in  the  fate  of 
his  cur,  who  had  endeavoured  to  follow  his  master.  His 
eyes  were  fixed  upon  Snarleyyow,  and  Snarleyyow's  were 
fixed  upon  his  master,  thus  they  were  permitted  to  remain 
for  a  few  seconds,  when  Sir  Robert  gave  the  signal. 
Away  went  the  line  of  men  who  had  manned  the  starboard 
whip,  and  away  went  Jemmy  Ducks  on  the  larboard  side, 
and,  at  the  yard-arms  of  the  cutter  were  suspended  the 
bodies  of  Vanslyperken  and  Snarleyyow. 

Thus  perished  one  of  the  greatest  scoundrels,  and  one 
of  the  vilest  curs,  which  ever  existed.  They  were  damn- 
able in  their  lives,  and  in  their  deaths  they  were  not 
divided. 

By  the  manuscript  records,  found  in  the  Jacobite  papers, 
it  appears  that  the  double  execution  took  place  on  the  3rd 
of  August  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1 700. 


Chapter  LIV 

In  which  affairs  begin  to  wind  up. 

There  are  few  people  whose  vindictive  feelings  are  not 
satisfied  with  the  death  of  the  party  against  whom  those 
feelings  have  been  excited.     The  eyes  of  all  on  deck  (that 


41  o  Snarleyyow;  or, 

is  all  except  one)  were  at  first  directed  to  the  struggling 
Vanslyperken,  and  then,  as  if  sickened  at  the  sight  of  his 
sufferings,  were  turned  away  with  a  feeling  very  near  akin 
to  compassion. 

One  only  looked  or  never  thought  of  Vanslyperken,  and 
that  one  was  Smallbones,  who  watched  the  kicking  and 
plunging  of  his  natural  enemy,  Snarleyyow.  Gradually, 
the  dog  relaxed  his  exertions,  and  Smallbones  watched, 
somewhat  doubtful,  whether  a  dog  who  had  defied  every 
other  kind  of  death,  would  condescend  to  be  hanged.  At 
last,  Snarleyyow  was  quite  still.  He  appeared  nearly  to 
have  gone  to — "  Where  the  wicked  cease  from  troubling, 
and  the  weary  are  at  rest." 

"He  won't  a  cum  to  life  any  more  this  time,"  said 
Smallbones  ;  "  but  Til  not  let  you  out  of  my  hands  yet. 
They  say  a  cat  have  nine  lives,  but,  by  gum,  some  dogs 
have  ninety." 

There  was  a  dead  silence  on  the  deck  of  the  cutter  for 
a  quarter  of  an  hour,  during  which  the  bodies  remained 
suspended.  A  breeze  then  came  sweeping  along  and 
ruffled  the  surface  of  the  water.  This  was  of  too  great 
importance  to  allow  of  further  delay.  Sir  Robert  desired 
the  seamen  of  the  Tungfrau  to  come  aft,  told  them  he 
should  take  their  cutter  to  Cherbourg,  to  land  the  women 
and  his  own  people,  and  that  then  they  would  be 
free  to  return  to  Portsmouth ;  all  that  he  requested  of 
them  was  to  be  quiet  and  submissive  during  the  short  time 
that  he  and  his  party  were  on  board.  Coble  replied  for  the 
ship's  company — "  As  for  the  matter  of  that  'ere — there 
was  no  fear  of  their  being  quiet  enough  when  there  were 
more  than  two  to  one  against  them  ;  but  that,  in  fact,  they 
had  no  animosity  :  for  even  if  they  did  feel  a  little  sore  at 
what  had  happened,  and  their  messmates  being  wounded, 
what  was  swinging  at  the  yard-arm  made  them  all  friends 
again.  The  gentleman  might  take  the  cutter  where  he 
pleased,  and  might  use  her  as  long  as  he  liked,  and  when 
he  had  done  with  her  it  was  quite  time  enough  to  take  her 
back  to  Portsmouth." 


The  Dog  Fiend  411 

"Well,  then,  as  we  understand  one  another,  we  had 
now  better  make  sail,"  said  Sir  Robert.  "  Cut  away  that 
rope,"  continued  he,  pointing  to  the  whip  by  which  Van- 
slyperken's  body  was  suspended. 

Jansen  stepped  forward  with  his  snickasee,  the  rope  was 
divided  at  once,  and  the  body  of  the  departed  Vanslyperken 
plunged  into  the  wave  and  disappeared. 

**  They  mayn't  cut  this  tho' !  "  cried  Smallbones.  "  I'll 
not  trust  him — Jemmy,  my  boy,  get  up  a  pig  of  ballast. 
I'll  sink  him  fifty  fathoms  deep,  and  then  if  so  be  he  cum 
up  again,  why  then  I  give  it  up  for  a  bad  job." 

Jemmy  brought  up  the  pig  of  ballast,  the  body  of 
Snarleyyow  was  lowered  on  board,  and,  after  having  been 
secured  with  divers  turns  of  the  rope  to  the  piece  of  iron, 
was  plunged  by  Smallbones  into  the  wave. 

"There,"  said  Smallbones,  "I  don't  a  think  that  he  will 
ever  bite  me  any  more,  anyhow ;  there's  no  knowing 
though.  Now  I'll  just  go  down  and  see  if  my  bag  be  to 
be  found,  and  then  I'll  dress  myself  like  a  Christian." 

The  cutter  flew  before  the  breeze  which  was  on  her 
quarter,  and  now  that  the  hanging  was  over  the  females 
came  on  deck.  One  of  the  Jesuit  priests  was  a  good 
surgeon,  and  attended  to  the  wounded  men,  who  all 
promised  to  do  well,  and  as  Bill  Spurey  said, 

"  They'd  all  dance  yet  at  the  corporal's  wedding." 

**  I  say  corporal,  if  we  only  could  go  to  Amsterdam 
instead  of  going  to  Portsmouth." 

"Mein  Gott,  yes;"  replied  the  corporal,  and  acting 
upon  this  idea,  he  went  aft  and  entered  into  conversation 
with  Ramsay,  giving  him  a  detail  of  the  affair  with  the 
widow  and  of  her  having  gone  to  the  Hague  to  accuse 
Vanslyperken,  ending  with  expressing  his  wish  of  himself 
and  the  crew  that  they  might  go  to  the  Hague  instead  of 
going  to  Portsmouth.  Nothing  could  please  Ramsay 
better.  He  was  most  anxious  to  send  a  letter  to  Mynheer 
Krause  to  inform  him  of  the  safety  of  his  daughter, 
and  he  immediately  answered  that  they  might  go  if  they 
pleased. 


412  Snarleyyow;  or, 

"Mein  Gott — but  how,  mynheer — we  no  have  the 
excuse." 

"But  I'll  give  you  one,"  replied  Ramsay — "you  shall 
go  to  the  Hague." 

The  corporal  touched  his  hat  with  the  greatest  respect, 
and  walked  forward  to  communicate  this  good  news.  The 
crew  of  the  Tungfrau  and  the  conspirators  or  smugglers 
were  soon  on  the  best  of  terms,  and  as  there  was  no  one 
to  check  the  wasteful  expenditure  of  stores  and  no  one 
accountable,  the  liquor  was  hoisted  up  on  the  forecastle, 
and  the  night  passed  in  carousing. 

"Well,  he  did  love  his  dog  after  all,"  said  Jemmy 
Ducks. 

"  And  he's  got  his  love  with  him,"  replied  one  of  the 
smugglers. 

"  Now,  Jemmy,  let's  have  a  song." 

"  It  must  be  without  the  fiddle  then,"  replied  Jemmy, 
"for  that's  jammed  up  with  the  baggage — so  here  goes," 

I've  often  heard  the  chaplain  say,  when  Davey  Jones  is  nigh, 
That  we  must  call  for  help  in  need,  to  Providence  on  high, 
But  then  he  said,  most  plainly  too,  that  we  must  do  our  best, 
Our  own  exertions  failing,  leave  to  Providence  the  rest. 

I  never  thought  of  this  much  till  one  day  there  came  on  board, 
A  chap  who  ventur'd  to  join  as  seaman  by  the  Lord ! 
His  hair  hung  down  like  reef  points,  and  his  phiz  was  very  queer, 
For  his  mouth  was  like  a  shark's,  and  turn'd  down  from  ear  to  ear. 

He  hadn't  stow'd  his  hammock,  not  much  longer  than  a  week, 
When  he  swore  he  had  a  call,  and  the  Lord  he  was  to  seek. 
Now  where  he  went  to  seek  the  Lord,  I  can't  at  all  suppose, 
Twas  not  on  deck  for  there  I'm  sure,  he  never  show'd  his  nose. 

He  would  not  read  the  Bible,  it  warn't  good  enough  for  him, 
The  course  we  steered  by  that  he  said,  would  lead  us  all  to  sin ; 
That  we  were  damn'd  and  hell  would  gape,  he  often  would  us  tell, 
I  know  that  when  I  heard  his  jaw,  it  made  me  gape  like  helL 

A  storm  came  on,  we  sprung  a  leak,  and  sorely  were  we  tired, 
We  plied  the  pumps,  'twas  spell  and  spell,  with  lots  of  work  beside; 
And  what  d'ye  think  this  beggar  did,  the  trick  I  do  declare, 
He  called  us  all  to  leave  the  pumps  and  join  with  him  in  prayer 


The  Dog  Fiend  413 

At  last  our  boatswain  Billy,  who  was  a  thund'ring  Turk, 
Goes  up  to  him  and  says,  "  My  man,  why  don't  you  do  your  work  ?  " 
"  Avaunt  you  worst  of  sinners,  I  must  save  my  soul,"  he  cried, 
"Confound  your  soul,"  says  Billy,  "  then  you  shall  not  save  your  hide." 

Acquaintance  then  he  made  soon  with  the  end  of  the  fore-brace. 
It  would  have  made  you  laugh  to  see  his  methodisty  face ; 
He  grinn'd  like  a  roast  monkey,  and  he  howl'd  like  a  baboon, 
He  had  a  dose  from  Billy,  that  he  didn't  forget  soon. 

"Take  that,"  said  Billy,  when  he'd  done,  "and  now  you'll  please  to  work, 

I  read  the  Bible  often — but  I  don't  my  duty  shirk, 

The  pumps  they  are  not  choked  yet,  nor  do  we  yet  despair, 

When  all  is  up  or  we  are  saved,  we'll  join  with  you  in  prayer." 

"  And  now  we'll  have  one  from  the  other  side  of  the 
house,"  said  Moggy,  as  soon  as  the  plaudits  were  over. 

"  Come  then,  Anthony,  you  shall  speak  for  us,  and 
prove  that  we  can  sing  a  stave  as  well  as  honester  men." 

"  With  all  my  heart,  William ; — here's  my  very  best." 

The  smuggler  then  sang  as  follows : 

Fill,  lads,  fiU; 

Fill,  lads,  fill. 
Here  we  have  a  cure 

For  every  ill. 
If  fortune's  unkind 
As  the  north-east  wind, 
Still  we  must  endure, 
Trusting  to  our  cure. 

In  better  luck  still. 

Drink,  boys,  drink ; 

Drink,  boys,  drink. 
The  bowl  let  us  drain 

With  right  good  will. 
If  women  deceive 
Why  should  we  grieve  ? 
Forgetting  our  pain, 
Love  make  again. 

With  better  luck  still. 

Sing,  lads,  sing ; 

Sing,  lads,  sing. 
Our  voices  we'll  raise ; 

Be  merry  still ; 
If  dead  to-morrow, 
We  brave  all  sorrow. 
Life's  a  weary  maze — 
When  we  end  our  days, 

'TIS  better  luck  still. 


414  Snarleyyow;  or, 

As  the  wounded  men  occupied  the  major  part  of  the 
lower  deck,  and  there  was  no  accommodation  for  the 
numerous  party  of  men  and  women  on  board,  the  carous- 
ing was  kept  up  until  the  next  morning,  when,  at  day- 
light, the  cutter  was  run  into  Cherbourg.  The  officers 
who  came  on  board,  went  on  shore  with  the  report  that 
the  cutter  belonged  to  the  English  government,  and  had 
been  occupied  by  Sir  Robert  and  his  men,  who  were  well 
known.  The  consequence  was,  an  order  for  the  cutter 
to  leave  the  port  immediately,  as  receiving  her  would 
be  tantamount  to  an  aggression  on  the  part  of  France. 
But  this  order,  although  given,  was  not  intended  to  be 
rigidly  enforced,  and  there  was  plenty  of  time  allowed 
for  Sir  Robert  and  his  people  to  land  with  their  specie 
and  baggage. 

Ramsay  did  not  forget  his  promise  to  the  corporal. 
He  went  to  the  French  authorities,  stated  the  great 
importance  of  his  forwarding  a  letter  to  Amsterdam 
immediately,  and  that  the  way  it  might  be  effected  would 
be  very  satisfactory.  That,  aware  that  King  William 
was  at  the  Hague,  they  should  write  a  letter  informing 
him  of  the  arrival  of  the  cutter;  and  that  his  Majesty 
might  not  imagine  that  the  French  government  could 
sanction  such  outrages,  "^  they  had  sent  her  immediately 
on  to  him,  under  the  charge  of  one  of  their  officers,  to 
wait  upon  his  Majesty,  and  express  their  sentiments  of 
regret  that  such  a  circumstance  should  have  occurred. 
The  authorities  were  aware  that,  to  obey  Sir  Robert 
would  not  be  displeasing  to  the  court  of  Versailles,  and 
that  the  excuse  for  so  doing  could  only  be  taken  as  a 
compliment  to  the  English  court,  therefore  acted  upon 
this  suggestion.  A  French  officer  was  sent  on  board  of 
the  cutter  with  the  despatch,  and  Ramsay's  letter  to 
Mynheer  Krause  was  committed  to  the  charge  of  the 
corporal. 

Before  the  sun  had  set,  the  Tungfrau  was  again  at  sea, 
and,  on  the  third  morning,  anchored  in  her  usual  berth 
off  the  town  of  Amsterdam. 


The  Dog  Fiend  415 


Chapter  LV 

In  which  we  trust  that  everything  will  be  arranged  to  the  satisfaction  of 
our  readers. 

The  French  officer  who  was  sent  to  explain  what  had 
occasioned  the  arrival  of  the  cutter  in  the  port  of  Cher- 
bourg, immediately  set  off  for  the  Hague,  and  was  received 
by  Lord  Albemarle. 

As  soon  as  his  credentials  had  been  examined,  he  was 
introduced  to  his  Majesty,  ELing  William. 

"It  appears,"  said  his  Majesty  to  Lord  Albemarle,  after 
the  introduction,  "  that  these  Jacobite  conspirators  have 
saved  us  one  trouble  by  hanging  this  traitor,  Van- 
slyperken." 

"  Yes,  your  Majesty,  he  has  met  with  his  deserved 
punishment,"  replied  Lord  Albemarle. 

Then  addressing  himself  to  the  officer,  "We  will  return 
our  acknowledgments  for  this  proof  of  good  will  on  the 
part  of  the  French  government,"  said  his  Majesty,  bowing. 
"  My  Lord  Albemarle,  you  will  see  that  this  gentleman  is 
suitably  entertained." 

The  officer  bowed  low  and  retired. 

"  This  is  an  over  politeness  which  I  do  not  admire," 
observed  his  Majesty  to  Lord  Albemarle.  "Let  that 
person  be  well  watched,  depend  upon  it  the  letter  is  all  a 
pretext,  there  is  more  plotting  going  on." 

"I  am  of  your  Majesty's  opinion,  and  shall  be  careful 
that  your  Majesty's  commands  are  put  in  force,"  replied 
his  lordship,  as  King  William  retired  into  his  private 
apartments. 

The  cutter  had  not  been  half-an-hour  at  anchor,  before 
Obadiah  Coble  went  on  shore  with  the  corporal.  Their 
£rst  object  was  to  apply  to  the  authorities,  that  the 
wounded  men  might  be  sent  to  the  hospital,  which  they 
were  before  the  night ;  the  next  was  to  deliver  the  letter 
to  Mynheer  Krause.     They  thought  it  advisable  to  go 


41 6  Snarleyyow;  or, 

first  to  the  widow  Vandersloosh,  who  was  surprised  at 
the  sight  of  her  dear  corporal,  and  much  more  enraptured 
when  she  heard  that  Mr  Vanslyperken  and  his  cur  had 
been  hanged. 

"I'll  keep  my  word,  corporal,"  cried  the  widow,  "I 
told  you  I  would  not  marry  until  he  was  hung,  I  don't 
care  if  I  marry  you  to-morrow." 

**  Mein  Gott,  yes,  to-day." 

"  No,  no,  not  to-day,  corporal,  or  to-morrow  either,  we 
must  wait  till  the  poor  fellows  are  out  of  the  hospital,  for 
I  must  have  them  all  to  the  wedding." 

"  Mein  Gott,  yes,"  replied  the  corporal. 

The  widow  then  proceeded  to  state  how  she  had  been 
thrown  into  a  dungeon,  and  how  she  and  Mynheer  Krause, 
the  syndic,  had  been  released  the  next  day,  how  Mynheer 
Krause's  house  had  been  burnt  to  the  ground,  and  all  the 
other  particulars  with  which  the  reader  is  already  ac- 
quainted. 

This  reminded  the  corporal  of  the  letters  to  the  Mynheer 
Krause,  which  he  had  for  a  time  forgotten,  and  he  inquired 
where  he  was  to  be  found  j  but  the  widow  was  too 
prudent  to  allow  the  corporal  to  go  himself — she  sent 
Babette,  who  executed  her  commission  without  exciting^ 
any  suspicion,  and  made  Mynheer  Krause  very  happy. 
He  soon  made  his  arrangements,  and  joined  his  daughter 
and  Ramsay,  who  had  not,  however,  awaited  his  arrival^, 
but  had  been  married  the  day  after  they  landed  at  Cher- 
bourg. Mynheer  Krause  was  not  a  little  surprised  to  find 
that  his  son-in-law  was  a  Jacobite,  but  his  incarceration 
and  loss  of  his  property  had  very  much  cooled  his  loyalty. 
He  settled  at  Hamburgh,  and  became  perfectly  indifferent 
whether  England  was  ruled  by  King  "William  or  King 
James. 

Ramsay's  marriage  made  him  also  less  warm  in  the 
good  cause ;  he  had  gained  a  pretty  wife  and  a  good 
fortune,  and  to  be  very  loyal  a  person  should  be  very 
poor.  The  death  of  King  James  in  the  year  following, 
released  him  from  his  engagements,  and,  as  he  resided  at 


The  Dog  Fiend  417 

Hamburgh,  he  was  soon  forgotten,  and  was  never  called 
upon  to  embark  in  the  subsequent  fruitless  attempts  on 
the  part  of  the  Jacobites. 

As  it  was  necessary  to  write  to  the  Admiralty  in 
England,  acquainting  them  with  the  fate  of  Mr  Vansly- 
perken,  and  demanding  that  another  officer  should  be  sent 
out  to  take  the  command  of  the  Tungfrau,  a  delay  of  three 
or  four  weeks  took  place,  during  which  the  cutter  remained 
at  Amsterdam ;  for  Dick  Short  and  Coble  were  no 
navigators,  if  they  had  wished  to  send  her  back  ;  and, 
moreover,  she  had  so  many  of  her  crew  at  the  hospital, 
that  she  was  weak-handed. 

It  was  about  a  month  after  her  arrival  at  Amsterdam,  that 
every  soul  belonging  to  the  cutter  had  gone  on  shore,  and 
she  was  left  to  swing  to  the  tide  and  foul  her  hawse,  or 
go  adrift  if  she  pleased,  for  she  had  to  take  care  of  herself. 
This  unusual  disregard  to  naval  instructions  arose  from 
the  simple  fact,  that  on  that  day  was  to  be  celebrated  the 
marriage  of  widow  Vandersloosh  and  Corporal  Van 
Spitter. 

Great,  indeed,  had  been  the  preparations  ;  all  the  in- 
genuity and  talent  of  Jemmy  Ducks,  and  Moggy,  and  Bill 
Spurey,  for  he  and  all  the  others  were  now  discharged 
from  the  hospital,  had  been  summoned  to  the  assistance  of 
the  widow  and  Babette,  in  preparing  and  decorating  the 
Lust  Haus  for  the  important  ceremony,  which  the  widow 
declared  King  William  himself  should  hear  of,  cost  what 
it  might.  Festoons  of  flowers,  wreaths  of  laurel  garlands 
from  the  ceiling,  extra  chandeliers,  extra  musicians,  all 
were  dressed  out  and  collected  in  honour  of  this  auspicious 
day. 

The  whole  of  the  crew  of  the  cutter  were  invited,  not, 
however,  to  feast  at  the  widow's  expense  -,  neither  she  nor 
the  corporal  would  stand  treat ; — but  to  spend  their  money 
in  honour  of  the  occasion.  And  it  must  be  observed,  that 
since  their  arrival  in  port,  the  Tungfrau  had  spent  a  great 
deal  of  money  at  the  widow's  ;  which  was  considered 
strange,  as  they  had  not,  for  some  time,  received  any  pay. 
s  2D 


41 8  Snarleyyow;  or, 

And  it  was  further  observed,  that  none  appeared  so  wealthy 
as  Smallbones  and  Corporal  Van  Spitter.  Some  had  as- 
serted that  it  was  the  gold  of  Mr  Vanslyperken,  which  had 
been  appropriated  by  the  crew  to  their  own  wants,  con- 
sidering themselves  as  his  legitimate  heirs.  Whether  this 
be  true  or  not,  it  is  impossible  to  say  ;  certain  it  is,  that 
there  was  no  gold  found  in  Mr  Vanslyperken's  cabin  when 
his  successor  took  possession  of  it.  And  equally  certain  it 
was,  that  all  the  Tungfraus  had  their  pockets  full  of  gold, 
and  that  the  major  part  of  this  gold  did  ultimately  fall  into 
the  possession  of  the  widow  Vandersloosh,  who  was  heard 
to  say,  that  Mr  Vanslyperken  had  paid  the  expenses  of  her 
wedding.  From  these  facts  collected,  we  must  leave  the 
reader  to  draw  what  inference  he  may  please. 

The  widow  beautifully  dressed  ; — a  white  kersey  petti- 
coat, deep  blue  stockings,  silver  buckles  in  her  shoes,  a 
scarlet  velvet  jacket,  with  long  flaps  before  and  behind,  a 
golden  cross  six  inches  long,  suspended  to  a  velvet  ribbon, 
to  which  was  attached,  half-way  between  the  cross  and  her 
neck,  a  large  gold  heart,  gold  ear-rings,  and  on  her  head  an 
ornament,  which,  in  Holland  and  Germany,  is  called  a  zitter- 
nabel,  shook  and  trembled  as  she  walked  along  to  church, 
hanging  on  the  arm  of  her  dear  corporal.  Some  of  the  bridges 
were  too  narrow  to  admit  the  happy  pair  to  pass  abreast. 
The  knot  was  tied.  The  name  Vandersloosh  was  aban- 
doned without  regret,  for  the  sharper  one  of  Van  Spitter ; 
and  flushed  with  joy,  and  the  thermometer  at  ninety-six, 
the  cavalcade  returned  home,  and  refreshed  themselves  with 
some  beer  of  the  Frau  Van  Spitter's  own  brewing. 

Let  it  not,  however,  be  supposed,  that  they  dined  tete-a- 
tete  ;  no,  no — the  corporal  and  his  wife  were  not  so 
churlish  as  that.  The  dinner  party  consisted  of  a  chosen 
set,  the  most  particular  friends  of  the  corporal.  Mr  Shorty 
first  officer  and  boatswain,  Mr  William  Spurey,  Mr  and 
Mrs  Salisbury  \  and  last,  although  not  the  least  important 
person  in  this  history,  Peter  Smallbones,  Esquire,  who 
having  obtained  money  somehow,  was  now  remarkable  for 
the  neatness  of  his  apparel.     The  fair  widow,  assisted  by 


The  Dog  Fiend  419 

Moggy  and  Babette,  cooked  the  dinner,  and  when  it  was 
ready  came  in  from  the  kitchen  as  red  as  a  fury  and 
announced  it :  and  then  it  was  served  up,  and  they  all  sat 
down  to  table  in  the  little  parlour.  It  was  very  close, 
the  gentlemen  took  off  their  jackets,  and  the  widow  and 
Moggy  fanned  themselves,  and  the  enormous  demand  by 
evaporation  was  supplied  with  foaming  beer.  None  could 
have  done  the  honours  of  the  table  better  than  the 
corporal  and  his  lady  who  sat  melting  and  stuck  together 
on  the  little  fubsy  sofa,  which  had  been  the  witness  of  so 
much  pretended  and  so  much  real  love. 

But  the  Lust  Haus  is  now  lighted  up,  the  company  are 
assembling  fast ;  Babette  is  waddling  and  trotting  like  an 
armadillo  from  corner  to  corner :  Babette  here,  and  Babette 
there,  it  is  Babette  everywhere.  The  room  is  full,  and  the 
musicians  have  commenced  tuning  their  instruments  ;  the 
party  run  from  the  table  to  join  the  rest.  A  general  cheer 
greets  the  widow  as  she  is  led  into  the  room  by  the 
corporal — for  she  had  asked  many  of  her  friends  as  well 
as  the  crew  of  the  Tungfrau,  and  many  others  came  who 
were  not  invited ;  so  that  the  wedding  day,  instead  of 
disbursement,  produced  one  of  large  receipt  to  the  happy 
pair. 

"  Now  then,  corporal,  you  must  open  the  ball  with  your 
lady,"  cried  Bill  Spurey. 

"  Mein  Gott,  yes." 

"  What  shall  it  be.  Madam  Van  Spitter  .?  " 

*'  A  waltz,  if  you  please." 

The  musicians  struck  up  a  waltz,  and  Corporal  Van 
Spitter,  who  had  no  notion  of  waltzing,  further  than 
having  seen  the  dance  performed  by  others,  seized  his 
wife  by  the  waist,  who,  with  an  amorous  glance,  dropped 
^4ier  fat  arm  upon  the  corporal's  shoulder.  This  was  the 
signal  for  the  rest — the  corporal  had  made  but  one  turn 
before  a  hundred  couple  more  were  turning  also — the 
whole  room  seemed  turning.  The  corporal  could  not 
waltz,  but  he  could  turn — he  held  on  fast  by  the  widow, 
and  with  such  a  firm  piece  of  resistance  he  kept  a  centri- 


420  Snarleyyow;  or, 

fugal  balance,  and  without  regard  to  time  or  space,  he 
increased  his  velocity  at  a  prodigious  rate.  Round  they 
went,  with  the  dangerous  force  of  the  two  iron  balls 
suspended  to  the  fly-wheel  which  regulate  the  power  of 
some  stupendous  steam-engine. 

The  corporal  would  not,  and  his  better  half  could  not, 
stop.  The  first  couple  they  came  in  contact  with  were 
hurled  to  the  other  side  of  the  room ;  a  second  and  a  third 
fell,  and  still  the  corporal  wheeled  on ;  two  chairs  and  a 
table  were  swept  away  in  a  moment.  Three  young 
women,  with  baskets  of  cakes  and  nuts,  were  thrown 
down  together,  and  the  contents  of  all  their  baskets 
scattered  on  the  floor  ;  and  "  Bravo,  corporal !  "  resounded 
from  the  crew  of  the  Tungfrau — Babette  and  two  bottles 
of  ginger  beer  were  next  demolished  ;  Jemmy  Ducks 
received  a  hoist,  and  Smallbones  was  flatted  to  a  pancake. 
Every  one  fled  from  the  orbit  of  these  revolving  spheres, 
and  they  were  left  to  wheel  by  themselves.  At  last,  Mrs 
Van  Spitter  finding  that  nothing  else  would  stop  her 
husband,  who,  like  all  heavy  bodies,  once  put  in  motion, 
returned  it  in  proportion  to  his  weight,  dropped  down, 
and  left  him  to  support  her  whole  weight.  This  was 
more  than  the  corporal  could  stand,  and  it  brought  him  up 
all  standing — he  stopped,  dropped  his  wife,  and  reeled  to 
a  chair,  for  he  was  so  giddy  that  he  could  not  keep  his 
legs,  and  so  out  of  breath  that  he  had  lost  his  wind. 

"  Bravo,  corporal !  "  was  shouted  throughout  the  room, 
while  his  spouse  hardly  knew  whether  she  should  laugh, 
or  scold  him  well  \  but,  it  being  the  wedding  night,  she 
deferred  the  scolding  for  that  night  only,  and  she  gained  a 
chair,  and  fanned  and  wiped,  and  fanned  and  wiped  again. 
The  corpora],  shortly  afterwards,  would  have  danced  again, 
but  Mrs  Van  Spitter  having  had  quite  enough  for  that 
evening,  she  thanked  him  for  the  offer,  was  satisfied  with 
his  prowess,  but  declined  on  the  score  of  the  extreme 
sultriness  of  the  weather ;  to  which  observation,  the 
corporal  replied,  as  usual, 

**  Mein  Gott,  yes." 


The  Dog  Fiend  421 

The  major  part  of  the  evening  was  passed  in  dancing 
and  drinking.  The  corporal  and  his  wife,  with  Babette, 
now  attending  to  the  wants  of  their  customers,  who,  what 
with  the  exercise,  the  heat  of  the  weather,  and  the  fumes 
of  tobacco,  were  more  than  usually  thirsty,  and  as  they 
became  satisfied  with  dancing,  so  did  they  call  for  re- 
freshments. 

But  we  cannot  find  space  to  dwell  upon  the  quantity  of 
beer,  the  variety  of  liquors  which  were  consumed  at  this 
eventful  wedding,  with  which  we  wind  up  our  eventful 
history ;  nor  even  to  pity  the  breathless,  flushed,  and 
overheated  Babette,  who  was  so  ill  the  next  day,  as  to  be 
unable  to  quit  her  bed ;  nor  can  we  detail  the  jokes,  the 
merriment,  and  the  songs  which  went  round,  the  peals  of 
laughter,  the  loud  choruses,  the  antic  feats  performed  by 
the  company  ;  still  more  impossible  would  it  be  to  give  an 
idea  of  the  three  tremendous  cheers,  which  shook  the  Lust 
Haus  to  its  foundations,  when  Corporal  and  Mistress  Van 
Spitter,  upon  their  retiring,  bade  farewell  to  the  company 
assembled. 

The  observation  of  Jemmy  Salisbury,  as  he  waddled  out, 
was  as  correct  as  it  was  emphatic  : 

"  Well,  Dick,  this  has  been  a  spree  !  " 

^'  Yes,"  replied  Dick  Short. 


THE    END. 


PRINTED  BY 

TURNBULL  AND  SPEARS 

EDINBURGH 


u 


